Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal leaves multiple dead

At least 17 to 19 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening. The incident occurred during Saptami celebrations when a massive crowd combined with a sudden downpour led to a surge at the entrance and the collapse of an exit gate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia compensation for the victims and their families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his scheduled programs in West Bengal. While officials have detained organizers and security guards, the Trinamool Congress has alleged poor crowd management and a lack of police presence.

Updated 2026-10-17

Claims

Single source: A stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening during Saptami.
Disputed: At least 18 people died in the stampede.
Disputed: At least 17 people died in the stampede.
Single source: The stampede was triggered by a combination of heavy crowd pressure, a sudden downpour, and the collapse of an exit gate.
Confirmed by primary source: Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his scheduled programs in West Bengal for Sunday, October 18, due to the incident.
Confirmed by primary source: Between 15 and 35 people were injured in the stampede.
Single source: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the incident.
Confirmed by primary source: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Confirmed by primary source: Organizers of the Durga Puja, private security guards, and officials on duty have been detained.
Single source: The Trinamool Congress alleged poor crowd management and a lack of police, civic volunteers, and ambulances.
Disputed: At least 19 people died in the stampede.
Disputed: No casualties were reported from the incident.

Timeline

2026-10-17 Union Home Minister Amit Shah postpones his West Bengal programs.
2026-10-17 Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visits Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
2026-10-17 Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announces the detention of organizers and security guards.
2026-10-17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces ex gratia compensation for victims and their families.
2026-10-17 Reports emerge of multiple deaths and injuries at the Chorbagan area pandal.
2026-10-17 A stampede-like situation occurs at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata after an exit gate collapses.

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal leaves multiple dead

Claims

Timeline

Sources