# Kolkata Durga Puja festival stampede > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kolkata-durga-puja-festival-stampede > Updated: 2026-10-20T04:08:49.000Z. Sources: 209. Developments: 3. A fatal stampede occurred on October 17 at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata. Triggered by heavy rainfall and a commotion following an announcement, the incident resulted in at least 19 deaths, including a seven-year-old girl, and left between 25 and 40 people injured. In response, the West Bengal government has established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. Headed by retired Calcutta High Court Judge Anindita Roy Saraswati, the SIT will examine permissible footfall, entry and exit routes, CCTV footage, and the preparedness of organizers and emergency services. The team, which includes representatives from the Special Task Force and the National Disaster Response Force, is directed to submit its findings within three months to help shape future safety regulations for 2027. To manage ongoing festival risks, the health department has deployed specialized medical teams, including neurosurgeons and anaesthetists, to five major pandals. The leaves of doctors, health workers, and administrative officials, including IAS officers, have been cancelled to ensure full emergency coverage. Financial aid has been pledged by both the central and state governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 200,000 rupees for the families of the deceased, while the West Bengal government has pledged 2.5 million rupees and a government job for a member of each victim's family. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that traumatic asphyxia caused by chest compression was the likely cause of death for most victims. On October 22, police arrested Sanjib Raha, also known as Sentu, the treasurer of the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal. Authorities allege that Raha was one of two individuals who made false announcements claiming a section of the pandal was collapsing, which triggered the panic. ## Claims - A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed 19 people on October 17. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The West Bengal government formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Retired judge Anindita Roy Saraswati will head the SIT. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The SIT must submit its report within three months. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The SIT will examine CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings as part of the probe. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The state government offered Rs 25 lakh in compensation to each victim's family. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The findings of the inquiry will be used to shape safety rules for puja pandals from 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Calcutta High Court directed that the inquiry be led by a retired judge rather than a sitting judge. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Kolkata deploys emergency medical teams after fatal Durga Puja stampede Following a fatal stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that killed 19 people, West Bengal has deployed emergency medical teams and enhanced crowd management protocols. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kolkata-deploys-emergency-medical-teams-after-fatal-durga-puja-stampede ### 2026-10-20: Kolkata stampede: SIT formed to probe fatal Durga Puja incident A six-member Special Investigation Team, led by retired judge Anindita Roy Saraswati, will probe the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede that killed 19 people, with a report due in three months. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calcutta-high-court-directs-retired-judge-to-lead-chorbagan-stampede-inquiry ### 2026-10-17: Kolkata stampede kills 19 at Durga Puja festival At least 19 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede during a Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, triggered by sudden rain and crowd mismanagement. Police have detained 12 people. 206 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kolkata-durga-puja-pandal-stampede-leaves-many-feared-dead --- Cite as: Kolkata Durga Puja festival stampede. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kolkata-durga-puja-festival-stampede