At least 17 dead in stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal during heavy rain

A stampede occurred at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata during the festival, resulting in at least 17 deaths. Police said that when heavy rain began, the crowd waiting outside the pandal suddenly surged forward, causing people to fall onto the street and triggering a stampede-like situation.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. One youth told media that there was intense crowding and people were pushing forward when a sudden push from behind caused those ahead to fall, with people collapsing on top of each other. Another witness reported that many people lost consciousness and had to be transported by bike, while some were trapped and unable to get up.

West Bengal Health Minister Sardha Mukhopadhyay and senior officials reached hospitals to assess the situation. Local residents reportedly broke through the pandal structure from another side to help rescue trapped victims. The incident occurred during peak visiting hours at the popular pandal during Durga Puja celebrations.