Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: seven arrested, including organisers, as CM Suvendu Adhikari promises strict action

A surge in the crowd amid rain led to tragedy on Maha Saptami. Here’s what we know about the Chorbagan stampede

October 18, 2026

Fourteen detained, seven arrested and victims being identified: the latest on the Kolkata stampede probe

19 Dead in Chorbagan Pandal Tragedy: Police Arrest Organisers, Security In-Charges

Kolkata Police have arrested seven people, among them organisers of a Durga Puja pandal and security in-charges, after a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 others in north Kolkata.

What happened

The stampede took place on Saturday evening, Maha Saptami, at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. It followed a sudden surge in the crowd amid rainfall. The entry gate was later seen closed and barricaded by police.

Arrests and investigation

Police have registered a case on their own initiative for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Fourteen people are in detention and are being questioned, and the seven arrests include members of the puja committee and the people in charge of security. The process of identifying the victims is under way.

Chief Minister’s response

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has promised strict action against anyone found to have failed in their duties, which allegedly led to mismanagement of the crowd. He has also called for a safety review of Durga Puja pandals across the state.

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