Kolkata, October 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced that Kolkata Police had detained members of the organising committee of the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja and personnel associated with a private security agency following a stampede-like incident that claimed 17 lives and left 25 people seriously injured.
The incident occurred at the community Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street in North Kolkata, where a large crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of the idols. The sudden crowd surge reportedly led to a stampede-like situation, resulting in multiple casualties.
Announcing the police action, Adhikari said a fact-finding team would investigate the circumstances that led to the tragedy. He also confirmed that forensic examinations would be conducted to establish the sequence of events.
“Forensic tests will also take place, and I request media and political leaders not to tamper with evidence,” the Chief Minister said, appealing for restraint until the investigation is completed.
Adhikari said the immediate priority of the state government was to support the families of those killed and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also urged Durga Puja committees across the state to coordinate closely with the police and pay particular attention to crowd management and emergency exit routes.
The Chief Minister warned that inadequate lighting inside some pandals could create additional risks during periods of heavy footfall. He assured the public that the government would take steps to strengthen safety arrangements.
BJP State Chief Cites Initial Information
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said preliminary information suggested that an announcement and repeated whistling by a private security agency may have contributed to triggering the crowd disturbance.
“According to initial information from the ACP present at the spot, the situation reportedly triggered after an announcement and repeated whistling by a private security agency,” Bhattacharya wrote on X.
However, he cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation was completed. He welcomed the Chief Minister’s assurance of a transparent inquiry and said the detention of Puja committee members and security agency workers indicated that the examination of the incident had begun.
Bhattacharya stressed that political arguments should not overshadow the immediate need to assist affected families and establish the facts.
“In this moment of grief, there should be no political mudslinging; instead, standing by the affected families, uncovering the real truth, and bringing the culprits to justice under the law should be the priority for all of us,” he said.
He added that a transparent investigation, compassionate assistance and justice were the most important requirements at this stage.
National Leaders Express Condolences
The tragedy prompted messages of grief from several national leaders, who expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the recovery of those injured.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described the loss of lives and injuries among devotees as heartbreaking. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and a speedy recovery for the injured.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying that the administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
He prayed to Goddess Durga to grant peace to the deceased, help the injured recover quickly and provide strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said local authorities were conducting rescue and relief operations on a war footing. He conveyed his condolences to the families who had lost loved ones and wished safety and a speedy recovery for everyone affected.
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the incident as deeply distressing. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed souls and the recovery of the injured.
Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed anguish over the loss of lives, extending his sympathies to the families during what he described as a period of immense grief.
Crowd Safety Under Scrutiny
The tragedy has renewed attention on crowd management and safety arrangements at major Durga Puja celebrations, which attract large numbers of devotees during the festive season.
The Chief Minister's appeal for better coordination between Puja committees and police, along with improved exit routes and lighting, highlighted the importance of preventive measures at crowded venues.
With police detentions announced and forensic examinations planned, the investigation is expected to examine the events leading to the crowd surge and the role of those responsible for security and event management.
The immediate focus remains on medical care for the injured, support for bereaved families and establishing the circumstances behind the tragedy. State authorities have called for restraint until the inquiry determines the sequence of events and any responsibility for the incident.
