A major tragedy struck the famous Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening after a stampede-like situation reportedly broke out amid heavy crowd pressure, leaving at least 17 people dead and more than 35 others injured.
The incident occurred during the ongoing Durga Puja festivities, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the popular pandal.
According to reports, panic spread among visitors after a section of the pandal allegedly collapsed amid overcrowding and rain-related congestion. As people rushed toward the exits, a stampede-like situation developed, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Police officials said the incident occurred near the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal under the Girish Park police station area. Emergency responders, including police personnel, fire service teams, and disaster management units, rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.
The injured were shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Authorities later closed the pandal to visitors as rescue and crowd-control measures continued.
Following the incident, the West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline to assist affected families and provide information on victims. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragedy during one of the state’s largest annual religious celebrations.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the city and raised fresh concerns over crowd management and safety arrangements at large public gatherings during major festivals.