Footwear lies scattered outside a Durga Puja pandal after the exit gate collapsed due to heavy crowd pressure | Photo Credit: PTI

At least 17 people were feared dead in a stampede following a crowd surge at a community Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, police sources said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 17 people were dead and 15 injured in the stampede

As it started raining, the crowd waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed forward, and some of them fell on the road, leading to the stampede.

Chief Minister, senior officials visit hospital

Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited a state-run hospital where the injured were taken, a senior officer said.

Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and senior officials also rushed to the hospital.

Disaster management personnel have been deployed at the site, the officer said.

Mamata Banerjee expresses shock

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply shocked about the stampede-like situation at Chorbagan puja pandal.

“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chorbagan puja pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time,” she said.

Published on October 17, 2026