The death toll from a horrific stampede at a prominent Durga Puja pandal in the Chorbagan neighborhood of North Kolkata, West Bengal, has risen to 19. At least 25 others remain hospitalized with severe injuries following the tragic incident.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening (October 17, 2026) around 8:30 PM local time during Maha Saptami celebrations. Kolkata Police have arrested seven top officials of the Chorbagan Puja Committee on charges of culpable homicide and extreme administrative negligence regarding crowd control and safety protocols.
