India news: Kolkata stampede dampens Durga Puja festivities

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At least 17 people were killed and 25 injured in a stampede during Durga Puja celebrations in North Kolkata on October 17, 2026, according to DW’s coverage. The figures came from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s office, although Indian outlets, including the Press Trust of India, reported at least 19 deaths. The victims included a seven-year-old girl.

DW cited Kolkata police as saying the incident happened around 7:40 p.m. at the exit of the Sarada Park, also known as Chor Bagan, festival pavilion. Large crowds were visiting amid rainfall, which reportedly prompted people to enter the temporary structure. The precise cause remained under investigation, with authorities examining crowd management and possible safety failures.

Police detained 12 people on Saturday night, including festival organizers, for questioning. The state government also announced an independent inquiry headed by a sitting Kolkata High Court judge. Adhikari said investigators would examine footage and pursue action against anyone found to have neglected crowd-safety responsibilities, including organizers, security personnel or police. The detentions did not establish responsibility for the deaths.

Durga Puja is West Bengal’s largest annual Hindu festival, drawing thousands to elaborate temporary pavilions containing images of the goddess Durga. DW reported that several major venues were temporarily closed after the stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced interim financial assistance for bereaved families, while Home Minister Amit Shah was expected to visit victims and relatives on October 18. His scheduled festival engagements were postponed.