13 Women, 1 Child Among 18 Killed In Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede

At least 18 people, including 13 women and a child, died, and 25 were injured in a stampede at a popular Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday evening.

Around 19:40 hrs, a stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja Pandal in the Girish Park Police Station area due to heavy crowds of pandal visitors amid rain. All injured persons were rescued and taken to MCH (Medical College and Hospital),” the Kolkata Police said in a statement.
Reinforcements from the Control Room, Fire Brigade, Kolkata Police, DMG team and ambulances with medical teams were deployed. The Puja Pandal is now closed to visitors,” they added.

Eight of those injured are critical.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital to assess the situation.
(UPDATED ON 17TH OCTBER 2026)