At least 19 people have been killed, including children, and 25 more injured in a stampede during the annual Hindu festival of Durga Puja in Kolkata, eastern India's West Bengal state. Most of those who died were women and children, with four children and 13 women among the 19 dead, according to a list shared by Kolkata Police.
Stampede triggered by rain
The stampede occurred when a crowd ran for cover as it began raining, causing some worshippers to fall on the road before being trampled. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital where victims were taken, said one of the victims was a seven-year-old girl.
One woman told The Hindu newspaper she had lost both her daughters in the incident. “I lost both my daughters. There is no one left to call me mother,” she said. Both daughters were in their 20s and one had a child, she told reporters.
Investigation and response
Police have detained some event organisers, private security personnel and on-duty staff as an investigation was launched into possible crowd-control and safety lapses. Authorities have advised several of Kolkata's most heavily attended venues to temporarily close to visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences, saying: “Condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The West Bengal Government is providing all possible help to the affected families.” His office announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($1,583) for the next of kin of those who died and 50,000 rupees ($396) each for the injured.
History of crowd crushes in India
Crowd crushes are relatively common in India during religious festivals, as large crowds, sometimes in the millions, gather in confined areas with few safety measures. In January 2025, at least 30 people were killed as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river during the Kumbh Mela festival. In 2013, at least 115 pilgrims were crushed to death or drowned at a temple in Madhya Pradesh amid panic over fears a bridge would collapse.
