At least 17 people died in a stampede at a north Kolkata Durga Puja pandal on Saturday night, October 16, 2026. PM Narendra Modi called the incident “extremely distressing” and announced ₹2 lakh for the dead. Many women and children got injured as crowds gathered at the exit during rain.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirms 17 dead in the Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede on Saturday night (October 16, 2026). CM Adhikari said the stampede broke out after a misleading announcement at the Puja Pandal. 25 injured, 24 are stable, 1 is critical,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “extremely distressing” and announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the dead and ₹50,000 for the injured. He said the local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
A stampede broke out at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday night (October 16). According to reports, a large crowd had gathered at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav and tried to take shelter at the exit gate of the pandal after a brief shower of rainfall. The majority of those who are feared dead and injured include women and children. The injured have been shifted to Medical College, Kolkata. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee have reached the hospital.
After the stampede, firefighters have reached the accident spot for rescue operations. Senior police officials and a disaster management team have reached the spot. Additional Commissioner of Police ( Crime) Kunal Agarwal visited the spot and is likely to visit the injured at the hospital within some time.