Kolkata, 18 October 2026: On Saturday evening, 19 people have died and 15 others have been injured when chaos broke out at a public Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Chorbagan area. Suvendu officer has confirmed this incident.
This incident took place at around 7:40 pm in the jurisdiction of Girish Park police station. The situation had worsened due to heavy crowd of 'Pandaal hoppers' (people visiting various pandals) and rain. As soon as it started raining, people waiting outside the pandal ran inside. During this time, some people fell on the road, causing chaos.
According to Kolkata Police, 12 people including some organizers of the puja have been taken into custody. Currently he is being interrogated. All the injured were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The Chief Minister had said that the state government has announced assistance (ex-gratia) of Rs 25 lakh and government jobs for the families of the victims. Additionally, to ensure an impartial investigation, we will take steps to constitute an STF (Special Task Force) under the supervision of a serving judge. I pray for the speedy and complete recovery of all those injured.
An eyewitness said that many people had become unconscious. Some people were being taken on motorcycles. There was a similar scene all around and there was a huge crowd.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Aggarwal, Health Minister and other senior officials reached the hospital to inquire about the injured. Police, fire brigade, disaster management teams and medical teams reached the spot.
The pandal has been closed for visitors. Helpline numbers 18003455678 and 03322141310 have been announced by Lalbazar Control Room.
Read more: Rush in Kolkata's Chorbagan, Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured.