Kolkata. On the evening of Mahasaptami, a tragic accident and stampede occurred at the famous Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata (known by many as Chorabajar Puja) due to massive overcrowding and sudden rain. According to initial reports and NDTV, at least 17 people are feared dead and 35 injured in the incident. However, the administration has not yet officially confirmed any deaths.
Regarding the cause of the accident, it is reported that there was an overwhelming crowd at the pandal on Saptami evening. Meanwhile, when sudden rain started, people waiting outside the pandal tried to rush inside. Due to intense crowd pressure, a section of the pandal's structure or exit gate gave way, causing several people to fall and creating a stampede-like situation. Following the accident, panic ensued and many fainted. The injured and sick were swiftly evacuated and taken to the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition. Upon receiving news of the incident, personnel from the Kolkata Police and Disaster Response Force rushed to the spot. To control the situation and ensure public safety, the Chorbagan puja pandal has been temporarily closed. State top administration officials, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Health Minister Sarat Chandra Mukherjee, and Principal Secretary Manoj Agarwal, rushed to the hospital to take stock of the situation.
