At least 17 people die in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede

Indian police detained organizers after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday. Reports differ on the exact death toll from the crowd crush. DW and Telegraph India reported that at least 17 people died, citing state officials, while Press Trust of India, The Hindu, and Hindustan Times reported that at least 19 people were killed. Reports agree that 25 other people were injured. [1][2][3][4][8][10]

The disaster occurred at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata. Telegraph India and NewsCord reported that heavy rain sparked a sudden rush of large crowds before the crowd crush occurred. The Hindu reported that most of the victims were women and children. [3][4][8]

Police took action immediately following the incident. DW reported that police detained 12 people on Saturday night, including the organizers of the Chorbagan Durga Puja. NDTV later reported that seven people were arrested, including organizers. [1][11]

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival honoring the goddess Durga. It is widely observed in eastern India and Bangladesh. In 2021, Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. [12]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sympathy for those who lost loved ones and announced financial compensation of two lakh rupees, according to The Hindu. Authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of the crush. [2][4][9]