Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:21am on 18 Oct 2026,Sunday India
A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on October 17, 2026, claimed at least 19 lives and left around 35 people injured. The incident occurred around 7:40 pm amid heavy rainfall and overcrowding, with reports suggesting a section of the pandal collapsed under crowd pressure. Eyewitnesses cited narrow entry and exit gates and inadequate lighting. Rescue teams evacuated victims to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered an investigation, and several organisers were detained. The pandal was closed, while authorities arranged medical assistance and launched a helpline.
