KOLKATA: The solemnity of the Durga Puja festivities was shattered on October 17 when massive crowds gathered at the prominent Chorebagan Sarbojanin pandal in central Kolkata, triggering a severe stampede near the venue’s exit gates. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 17 devotees lost their lives while attempting to navigate the dense surge of visitors, with more than 35 others suffering varying degrees of injuries.
The local administration, supported by the Fire Brigade and Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams, rushed to the spot, closing the pandal to visitors and transferring the injured to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for emergency care.
President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Deep Heartbreak
President Droupadi Murmu expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives during what should have been a time of celebration.
कोलकाता में दुर्गा पूजा पंडाल में हुई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार बहुत ही दुखद है। सभी शोक संतप्त परिवारजनों के प्रति मैं गहन संवेदना व्यक्त करती हूं। मैं घायल हुए लोगों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करती हूं।
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 17, 2026
Prime Minister Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Relief Reacting swiftly to the news of the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to offer his heartfelt condolences and outline financial assistance.
The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2026
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh would be released to the immediate family of each deceased victim, while Rs 50,000 would be extended to those injured to assist with immediate medical expenses.
Union Home Minister Speaks with CM Suvendu Adhikari
Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally reviewed the situation and held direct communications with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to assess administrative measures and medical readiness.
अभी-अभी कोलकाता के चोरबागान सार्वजनिक दुर्गा पूजा पंडाल में हुई भगदड़ का अत्यंत दु:खद समाचार मिला। इस संबंध में मुख्यमंत्री श्री शुभेंदु अधिकारी जी से बात की। इस हादसे में जान गँवाने वाले श्रद्धालुओं की आत्मा की शांति की प्रार्थना करता हूँ और परिवारजनों के प्रति संवेदनाएँ व्यक्त…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 17, 2026
Following the conversation, the Home Minister postponed his scheduled public events in West Bengal to personally visit the hospital and meet the injured devotees, praying to Maa Durga for their swift recovery.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to oversee emergency treatment, directing state agencies to ensure seamless healthcare support and a thorough safety audit across all major pandal venues.
