Kolkata: At least 17 people are feared dead and 40 others injured after a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Chorbagan, North Kolkata, on Saturday evening, police sources said. The incident occurred amid heavy crowds and rainfall, triggering panic among people waiting to enter the pandal.

The stampede took place around 7.40 pm in the Girish Park police station area. According to a senior police officer, people waiting outside rushed forward when it began raining, causing some to fall on the road and triggering the crush.

Rain and Crowds Trigger Panic

All the injured were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College for treatment.

An eyewitness said, “Many people lost consciousness; some were being taken on motorcycles. I witnessed this happening all around—when people fainted, they were taken away on bikes. All of this took place, and there was a massive crowd as well…”

Officials Rush to Hospital, Pandal Shut

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and other senior officials reached the hospital to meet those injured in the incident.

Police, fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams and medical teams were deployed at the site, while ambulances were rushed to assist with rescue and evacuation efforts. The pandal has since been closed to visitors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced an ex-gracia of Rs lakh for the next of kin fo the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured victims.

“The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would have been given Rs. 50,000,” PMO announced on

Helplines Issued as Governor Mourns Deaths

Police have set up helplines at the Lalbazar Control Room to provide assistance in connection with the incident. People can contact the authorities on 18003455678 or 03322141310.

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi’s office posted on