What should have been an evening of celebration on Maha Saptami turned into the darkest night of this year’s Durga Puja in Kolkata. Nineteen people were killed and at least 24 injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, a tragedy that has shaken the city and set off a fierce political fight.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the injured in hospital late on Saturday and promised strict action against whoever failed in their duty. Police have detained 12 people, including organisers of the pandal, and seven of them have been arrested so far. A forensic team worked through the night at the site, collecting evidence, while investigators are sifting through CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts.
By Sunday morning, the accident had become a full-blown political controversy, with the TMC pointing fingers at BJP leaders linked to the pandal and questioning whether the police were busy with VIP security instead of crowd safety.
How the stampede happened
The pandal was packed on Saturday evening, the first major night of pandal hopping, and heavy rain added to the chaos. According to investigators, several factors combined into a deadly trap: a narrow entry gate, congested exit routes, a maze-like theme design, and darkness inside the pandal, where a light show was running. An announcement asking people to leave, and rumours that a section of the structure was collapsing, reportedly triggered panic.
Eyewitnesses say the crowd movement was poorly managed. “I have not seen adequate police presence this year. This resulted in the mismanagement,” said Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a resident of the Chorbagan area. Locals allege that personnel were stationed mostly near the VIP entrance and that announcements about entry, exit and crowd movement were improper, leaving visitors confused during the rush.
West Bengal Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay said congestion at the entry and exit routes amid rainfall led to the stampede. Police officers have confirmed they are examining crowd control measures, the arrangements at the venue, and whether organisers flouted rules while erecting the pandal.
Political blame game begins
The All India Trinamool Congress wasted no time going on the offensive. On Sunday, the party alleged that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s nephew was closely associated with the Chorbagan puja pandal and claimed that a BJP MLA was the chairman of the puja committee.
“Guess who is closely associated with the Chorebagan Puja Pandal? Suvendu Adhikari’s bhaipo. A BJP MLA also happens to be the chairman of this puja committee. Where is the accountability? Who is responsible for all these deaths?” the party said in a post on X.
The TMC also targeted the BJP over the arrangements made for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kolkata, asking whether VIP security had taken precedence over public safety. “A grand welcome for Amit Shah, while ordinary citizens are left fighting for their lives,” the party said, adding: “Was the police deployment so heavily focused on Amit Shah’s security arrangements that crowd management and public safety were neglected?”
Shah, who was in Kolkata, visited the injured in hospital on Sunday. Governor Ravi also met the victims and their families. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee met the families of the deceased late Saturday night.
Probe and relief announced
Chief Minister Adhikari has ordered a high-level probe into the incident. The panel will be led by Principal Secretary of Disaster Management Rajesh Sinha, Director General of Fire Services Anuj Sharma, and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Javed Shamim.
“We have detained 12 people in connection with our probe into the Chorbagan incident. Our officers are talking to them to find out the cause that led to yesterday’s mishap. If any lapses are found, we will act as per the law,” a senior police officer told PTI.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced ex-gratia relief for the families of the deceased and the injured. Meanwhile, police have sought the list of security guards and crowd-management staff employed at the pandal, and officers are questioning the organisers.
Opposition demands accountability
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and urged the state government to ensure immediate rescue, medical assistance, adequate compensation and a thorough investigation. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the news “extremely heartbreaking” and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
The incident has also raised uncomfortable questions about crowd safety at Kolkata’s biggest pandals. Every year, lakhs of people visit the city’s marquees during the five days of Durga Puja, and many of the most popular pandals are built around elaborate theme designs that narrow the walkways and control the flow of visitors in ways that can turn dangerous.
For now, the Chorbagan pandal stands closed, its entry gate barricaded. The families of the 19 who died are grieving, dozens are in hospital, and Kolkata is asking a question that will not go away quickly: how did a celebration become a disaster, and who let it happen?
FAQs
What happened at the Kolkata Durga Puja pandal?
A stampede broke out at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on the evening of October 17, 2026, during Maha Saptami. Nineteen people died and at least 24 were injured.
What caused the Chorbagan pandal stampede?
Investigators point to a narrow entry gate, congested exit routes, a maze-like pandal design, darkness during a light show, heavy rain, and panic after rumours of a collapse. A formal probe is under way.
Who is investigating the incident?
Kolkata Police are conducting a criminal probe, with 12 people detained and seven arrested so far. A separate high-level probe led by senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of Disaster Management, has also been ordered.
Why has the stampede become a political controversy?
The TMC has alleged links between the pandal organisers and the BJP, claiming the Chief Minister’s nephew was closely associated with it and a BJP MLA chaired the committee. The party also questioned whether police resources were diverted for Amit Shah’s visit.
Has compensation been announced?
Yes, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced ex-gratia relief for the families of those killed and for the injured.
We will continue to update this story as the investigation develops. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.
