Kolkata Durga Puja stampede kills 19; Jharkhand leaders express grief

RANCHI: Jharkhand’s political leadership has expressed grief over the deaths of 19 devotees in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi were among those who conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in the Girish Park area of Kolkata at around 7.40 pm on October 17, amid heavy rain and a large gathering of visitors. At least 19 people died and 25 others were injured, according to reports citing officials. The injured were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

Jharkhand leaders express condolences

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar described the incident as deeply distressing and conveyed his sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones. He also prayed for the early recovery of those injured.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, saying the tragedy had left him deeply distressed. He prayed for peace for the deceased and strength for their families to cope with the loss. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Babulal Marandi, Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, paid tribute to those who died and extended condolences to their families. He prayed for the recovery of the injured.

Former chief ministers Champai Soren and Arjun Munda also expressed grief. Champai Soren described the incident as particularly tragic because it occurred during a religious celebration. Arjun Munda conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace of the deceased.

Heavy rain and crowd surge preceded stampede

According to police officials, the incident occurred as heavy rain began and people waiting outside the pandal rushed forward. Some visitors fell, triggering a stampede-like situation near the exit gate.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to meet the injured. He said 19 people had died and 25 were receiving treatment. Police detained people associated with the puja organising committee, private security personnel and staff on duty for questioning.

The precise sequence of events and the possible role of crowd-management arrangements remain under investigation. Initial accounts have referred to an announcement made over a loudspeaker, but the circumstances leading to the fatal rush have yet to be conclusively established.

Police, fire services, disaster-management personnel and medical teams were deployed for rescue and emergency assistance. The pandal was closed to visitors following the incident.

The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about crowd management and safety at heavily attended Durga Puja venues. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.