Narrow gates, no lighting: Witnesses recount Kolkata pandal tragedy that killed 17

A sudden downpour sent visitors rushing into an already crowded Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, an eyewitness said, describing the moments before a stampede-like situation left at least 17 people dead and 35 injured on Saptami evening.“People had come to visit the pandal, and there was a large crowd. Suddenly, it started raining heavily. People began entering the pandal, but it was already crowded inside,” the witness said.Other witnesses described narrow entry and exit gates, a lack of lighting and people losing consciousness in the crush.“The entrance was very narrow, and the exit gate was also narrow. There was no lighting in the area,” said a witness whose daughter and granddaughter were hospitalised. Another said those who fainted were being taken away on motorcycles. “I witnessed this happening all around,” the witness said.A senior officer also said the crowd waiting outside rushed forward when the rain began. Some people fell on the road, triggering the stampede-like situation. India Today’s correspondent at the scene reported heavy police deployment along the lane leading to the pandal, near Ram Mandir on Central Avenue. Disaster management and fire services teams were deployed as senior police officers assessed the situation.The pandal was closed to visitors, and the injured were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Puja organisers also reportedly helped those affected.West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital. Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and senior officials also arrived.The state government has opened a toll-free helpline, 18003455678.Rain had lashed Kolkata and adjoining areas from Saptami afternoon, returning in the evening after a brief lull as devotees continued visiting pandals.Chorbagan Sarbojanin, a popular destination for pandal-hoppers, is holding its 91st Durga Puja this year.- Ends