Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal leaves multiple injured

A stampede broke out at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, leaving multiple people injured during what witnesses described as a terrifying display of crowd chaos. The incident occurred in the narrow confines of the pandal entrance, compounded by poor lighting conditions that created further disorientation among the gathering devotees.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as the crowd surged through the congested space. Emergency responders mobilized quickly, with motorcycles being used to transport injured individuals from the site to nearby medical facilities, allowing faster access through the densely packed areas surrounding the pandal.

The Chief Minister visited hospitals where the injured were admitted, reviewing the situation and assessing the response efforts. Officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the total number of casualties or the exact circumstances that triggered the initial surge.

The incident raises fresh concerns about crowd management protocols at major religious gatherings and festivals across India, particularly during peak visiting hours at popular pandals.