Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Announcement Warning Of Pandal Collapse Triggered Panic, 19 Dead

An announcement warning that a Durga Puja pandal could collapse triggered panic and led to a deadly stampede in Kolkata on Saturday evening, claiming 19 lives, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said. Seven people, mostly organisers of the pandal, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The stampede occurred around 7.30 pm at Chor Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity’s puja pandal in north Kolkata, one of the city’s popular Durga Puja venues. The incident took place on Saptami, the seventh day of the festival, amid heavy rain and overcrowding in a narrow lane.

Announcement Warning Of Pandal Collapse Triggered Panic

According to police, an announcement inside the pandal warned visitors: “The condition of the pandal is very bad. It will collapse. Please leave.”

Speaking to reporters late on Saturday, Adhikari said preliminary investigations suggested that the announcement made by the organisers triggered the stampede-like situation.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that it was an announcement by the organisers which led to the stampede-like situation and resulted in so many deaths,” he said.

A police officer told Hindustan Times that organisers began announcing that the pandal could collapse and urged people to leave. Volunteers also started blowing whistles, which apparently intensified the panic.

Heavy Rain, Narrow Lane Contributed To Crowd Congestion

Eyewitnesses said people seeking shelter from the rain rushed towards the pandal through a narrow bylane. Those already inside were reluctant to step out into the rain, while more visitors continued pushing in through both the entrance and exit.

As the crowd surged, people slipped on the rain-soaked ground and fell over one another, triggering a chain reaction.

Chor Bagan, located less than 2 km from Howrah Bridge, is among Kolkata’s oldest Durga Puja venues. The narrow approach lane and the large number of visitors contributed to the congestion as people tried to move in different directions.

Seven Arrested, SIT To Probe Incident

Police have arrested seven people so far in connection with the stampede, most of them associated with the pandal’s organisation.

Adhikari announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court, would investigate the incident and examine possible lapses.

He said the puja committee had obtained the required permissions from the Kolkata Police, fire brigade and Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

“Legal action would be taken against any persons if any lapses are found. It could be club volunteers, temporary home guards, police personnel and security agencies engaged by the club. The individuals will be identified through CCTV footage,” Adhikari said.

CCTV Footage Collected, FIR Registered

Police said CCTV footage from the pandal and surrounding areas had been collected as part of the investigation.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under Sections 105 and 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events, the announcement, crowd management arrangements and the roles of those responsible for security.

The Chor Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity pandal was shut following the stampede. Police also closed several other crowded Durga Puja venues, including Chetla Agrani and Tala Prottay, as a precautionary measure.

The SIT will investigate whether any lapses in crowd management or safety arrangements contributed to the tragedy and identify those responsible, if wrongdoing is established.