A major incident unfolded in northern Kolkata on the evening of Saturday, 17 October 2026, at approximately 7:40 PM during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. A sudden downpour at the Sharda Park Chorbagan public Durga Puja pandal, located under the jurisdiction of the Girish Park police station, sparked chaotic conditions and panic among the gathered visitors.
Sudden Downpour Triggers Rush
According to a senior police official, a massive crowd was waiting outside the pandal for their turn to enter when heavy rain unexpectedly began to fall. Eager to shield themselves from the downpour, a large section of the waiting crowd surged rapidly toward the exit gate. This sudden scramble caused multiple individuals to trip and fall on the street, rapidly escalating into a dangerous stampede accompanied by cries for help.
Rescue Operations and Hospitalization
Initial reports confirmed that at least 25 people sustained injuries in the commotion. Rescue teams swiftly intervened, evacuating approximately 35 individuals and transporting them to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for urgent medical attention. Following the incident, the police control room, fire brigade, Kolkata Police disaster management DMG team, and multiple ambulances were immediately dispatched to the site. To ensure public safety and manage the fallout, the Chorbagan puja pandal has been temporarily closed to visitors.
Top Officials Visit the Injured
Reflecting the gravity of the situation, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. They personally checked on the injured patients undergoing treatment and issued specific directives to the medical staff. Additionally, state Health Minister Sardavat Mukherjee and other senior officials visited the hospital to assess the ground situation. Disaster management personnel remain stationed at the venue, and authorities confirmed that the situation is now under control.
