Twenty-five injured in crowd surge at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal

A stampede-like situation unfolded at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening when a large crowd waiting outside surged forward as rain began to fall. The sudden movement caused several people to lose their footing and fall to the ground, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals.

Police reported that at least 25 people sustained injuries in the incident. All those hurt were promptly transported to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where they were admitted in serious condition for treatment and observation.

West Bengal Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee arrived at the hospital along with senior officials to assess the situation and oversee the medical response. Disaster management personnel were simultaneously deployed to the pandal site to manage the crowd and prevent further incidents.

The incident highlights the challenges posed by large crowds during major festivals in the state. Durga Puja, one of Bengal's most significant cultural celebrations, draws enormous numbers of devotees and visitors to pandals across the region during the festive season.