At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in a stampede on Saturday evening (October 17) at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, during the Maha Saptami celebrations. The pandal stands on a narrow road off Chittaranjan Avenue and had grown in popularity, drawing large crowds.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that, according to initial reports from officials at the spot, a loudspeaker announcement by the puja organisers led to a rush among revellers. Officials also said the rush began as rain started and people waiting outside surged forward. Families of two of the deceased told the Chief Minister that a whistle blown by private security guards had also triggered a rush.

The state government announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job for the family of each person who died, and Rs 5 lakh for each injured person, with the state bearing the full cost of treatment. Officials said 24 of the injured were out of danger and one was critical.

Police detained 12 people on Saturday night, including organisers, security guards and staff; ANI later reported that 7 arrests had been made. The pandal has been closed, and the site was handed over to forensic teams, the police Special Task Force and the Fire Brigade. CCTV footage from the area has been collected.

The state plans to request the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to constitute a fact-finding committee, and the Chief Minister has also formed a high-level safety-review committee. Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in parts of Bowbazar from October 18 to 20. Early reports had put the death toll at 17; the figure of 19 dead and 25 injured is the latest consistent reporting.

Durga Puja is Bengal's biggest festival, celebrated by Bengali communities in Kolkata and around the world.

Sources: PTI via The Hindu BusinessLine; The Business Standard; ANI.