NEW DELHI (AP) — A tragic stampede during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, West Bengal, resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. The incident occurred on Saturday night as heavy rain prompted worshippers near a pavilion to rush for shelter.
The stampede unfolded when some festival-goers fell onto the road, subsequently triggering panic within the densely packed crowd. As the situation escalated, authorities reported numerous casualties and swiftly transported victims to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that 19 people had died, with an additional 25 receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
In response to the calamity, Chief Minister Adhikari announced that a Special Investigation Team, led by a high court judge, would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Local police have detained several individuals, including pavilion organizers, private security personnel, and on-duty staff members, to assess potential lapses in crowd control and safety measures that may have contributed to the stampede.
The Durga Puja festival, a significant annual Hindu celebration honoring the goddess Durga, witnessed the establishment of approximately 3,500 pavilions, or pandals, throughout Kolkata. Following the stampede, authorities advised the temporary closure of several high-attendance venues to ensure public safety.
Crowd-related tragedies are not uncommon in India, particularly during religious festivals, where millions gather in confined spaces that often lack adequate safety protocols. For instance, in January 2025, a catastrophic event during the Maha Kumbh festival, the largest religious gathering in the world, led to at least 30 fatalities as throngs of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river.
Moreover, a similar incident occurred in 2013 in Madhya Pradesh, where fears of a collapsing bridge resulted in a panic among pilgrims. That disaster left over 115 individuals either crushed or drowned in the river below, highlighting the persistent dangers associated with large gatherings.
As authorities investigate the recent stampede, the tragic loss of life serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures during major public events. The government and festival organizers are under scrutiny as they navigate the challenging balance between spiritual celebration and public safety.
