India: Kolkata stampede dampens Durga Puja festivities as 12 are detained

Deaths and detentions

The stampede occurred during a Durga Puja festival in North Kolkata. At least 17 people died, including 13 women and a child, and 25 were injured, according to the latest update from the chief minister’s X account.

Indian media, including the Press Trust of India, reported that at least 19 people had died. Police detained 12 people on Saturday night, including organizers of the Chor Bagan Durga Puja, as they investigate what caused the incident.

Investigation and official response

The state government announced an independent inquiry led by a sitting judge of the city’s high court. Adhikari said investigators would review footage and consider whether responsibility lay with festival organizers, security workers or police.

Festivities disrupted

Heavy crowds, rain and inadequate safety measures contributed to the stampede, according to the report. The tragedy temporarily dampened celebrations across West Bengal during one of the region’s major annual festivals.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday evening and was scheduled to visit victims and their families Sunday morning. Festive programs he had planned to attend were postponed.

A pressured festive season

Durga Puja is celebrated in eastern India, while Navratri is observed across northern and western parts of the country. The festivals mark celebrations of different forms of the Hindu goddess Durga and lead toward Diwali.