At least 17 killed in stampede at a religious festival in India's Kolkata, NDTV reports
Officials said rain and crowd pressure triggered the surge, and police launched a probe after 19 people died and 25 were injured.
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed 19 people and injured 25 during a sudden crowd surge triggered by heavy rainfall.
- Eyewitnesses reported that sudden downpours prompted revellers to rush toward the entrance, while an announcement by security personnel caused "commotion," triggering panic that led to the deadly crush.
- Following the incident, West Bengal Police arrested seven individuals, including organizers and security staff, while establishing a Special Investigation Team to review CCTV footage and determine accountability.
- State Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced Rs 25 lakh and a government job for each deceased family, while the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund provided Rs 2 lakh to next of kin and Rs 50,000 per injured person.
- Authorities ordered temporary closures at major Durga Puja venues across Kolkata, while a Special Investigation Team headed by a Calcutta High Court judge will review safety arrangements and crowd management protocols at state pandals.
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The tragedy once again places the focus on mass pilgrimages in the most populous country in the world, where millions of faithful seek the help of the gods to marry, emigrate or overcome everyday problems Read
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
17 dead, dozens injured after stampede at Indian religious event
At least 17 people were killed in a stampede during a Hindu religious event in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Saturday, officials said, the latest episode in a persistent public safety problem for India.
Police have arrested seven persons linked to the organization and security of the compound
At least 19 people have died, including thirteen women and one child, after a stampede and panic broke out at the religious festival of Durga Puja in the Indian city of Kolkata.
The police have arrested, for example, the people responsible for the arrangements at the festival area.
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