Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead, Seven Arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Kolkata, Oct 18, 2026: Seven people, including Durga Puja organisers and security personnel, have been arrested following a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people and injured dozens on Saturday evening.

The stampede occurred around 7.40 pm amid heavy rain on Saptami, the seventh day of the 10-day festival. Those arrested include office-bearers of the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee, personnel responsible for crowd control and private security officials.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said an announcement by the organisers may have triggered the rush. Families of two victims also alleged that whistles blown by security guards contributed to the crowd surge.

Urging organisers to prioritise public safety, Adhikari said adequate lighting and sufficient entry and exit gates must be ensured at pandals. The site has been handed over to forensic officials, the police Special Task Force and the fire brigade for investigation.

Meanwhile, several prominent Durga Puja pandals, including Tala Pratyay, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojanin, have been asked to temporarily suspend visitor entry as a precautionary measure. Official programmes, including those involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have also been postponed following the tragedy.