17 killed in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede

At least 17 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday (October 17) evening, according to Indian media reports.

The incident occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal around 8:40 PM, when heavy rain reportedly drew large crowds inside the venue. According to a Kolkata Police statement cited by NDTV, the stampede took place near the exit gate, where several people were crushed in the crowd.

Around 35 people were taken to MCH Hospital for treatment, NDTV reported. The pandal has since been closed to visitors following the incident.

An eyewitness told news agency ANI that the entrance and exit routes were narrow and that the area lacked adequate lighting. The witness said his daughter and grandson were injured and admitted to hospital.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reportedly visited the hospital following the tragedy. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the incident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The circumstances surrounding the stampede remain under investigation.

-AH