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Updated - October 17, 2026 10:30 pm IST

Footwear lies scattered outside a Durga Puja pandal after the exit gate collapsed due to heavy crowd pressure, leading to a stampede-like situation, in Kolkata, on Oct. 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Several people were injured in a stampede-like situation arising out of a crowd surge at a community Durga Puja in north Kolkata on Saturday (October 17, 2026) evening, police said.

While there are some casualties feared, the injured have been taken to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

“At least 25 people were taken to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital in serious condition,” a senior police officer said.

West Bengal Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and senior officials rushed to the hospital. Disaster management personnel rushed to the spot.

Kolkata police has issued the following helpline numbers for those in need of assistance:

Several persons are feared dead after stampede-like situation broke out on Saturday (October 17) at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotstab. According to reports, a large crowd had gathered at the Durga Puja Pandal and tried to take shelter at the exit gate of the pandal after a brief shower of rainfall.

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.

Published - October 17, 2026 10:25 pm IST

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