Kolkata: Several major Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata have temporarily stopped public entry to their pandals following the stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata that killed 19 people and left 25 others injured. The closures came after instructions from the administration as authorities moved to manage crowds and prevent further incidents during the festive season.
Among the prominent pujas that have suspended entry are Tala Prattoy, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojonin. The programme at Allen Park on the city’s iconic Park Street has also been cancelled. Several pandals in Salt Lake have reportedly stopped allowing visitors for the time being.
The Tala Prattoy Durga Puja committee announced the temporary closure in a Facebook post, saying it was acting on administrative instructions and urging people to celebrate the festival safely.
The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Committee, led by BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh, has also restricted entry and asked people not to visit its pandal for now.
The closures have affected some of the city’s popular festive attractions, which usually draw large crowds of devotees and pandal-hoppers during Durga Puja.
How the Chorbagan Stampede Happened
The tragedy unfolded at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street in North Kolkata, where a large number of devotees had gathered to catch a glimpse of the idols.
According to the information available, an excessive crowd entered the pandal area, and tension broke out among visitors after part of the exit-gate structure collapsed. The situation turned chaotic as people struggled amid the rush, leaving several devotees injured.
The injured were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and two other state-run hospitals. Around 17 people were initially declared dead at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 injured people were admitted for treatment. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition. The death toll subsequently rose to 19.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the police and state administration. A forensic team reached the site on Sunday to examine the scene and assist with the investigation into what led to the deadly crowd surge.
Seven Arrested as Police Investigate Stampede
Kolkata Police arrested seven people, including organisers, in connection with the stampede on Sunday. The arrests came as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the crowd conditions and the collapse of part of the exit-gate structure.
The investigation is expected to establish how the situation developed and whether lapses in crowd management or other arrangements contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has also led to restrictions at other major Durga Puja venues, with organisers following administrative directions to prevent further crowd-related risks.
Chief Minister Visits Site, Announces Compensation
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the Chorbagan pandal at around 1 a.m. on Sunday to inspect the site and speak with police officials and organisers. Before visiting the venue, he met the families of those killed and injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
The Chief Minister announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the family of each deceased victim. He also announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
The state government’s response has focused on investigating the circumstances of the stampede, providing assistance to affected families and ensuring treatment for the injured.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja Celebrations Affected by Safety Concerns
The temporary closure of several major pandals marks a significant disruption to Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations, when thousands of people traditionally visit decorated venues across the city.
The tragedy has left families mourning their loved ones and prompted organisers to suspend public viewing at some of the most popular attractions. With crowd management now a central concern, authorities and puja committees are taking steps to avoid further incidents while the investigation continues.
The pandal closures remain temporary with organisers following instructions from the administration. Further decisions on public entry will depend on official directions and safety arrangements.