Person

Suvendu Adhikari

1. Follow-up: Kolkata Durga Puja stampede death toll rises to 19; police say a broadcast sparked the crush

   On the evening of Oct 17, a stampede occurred outside a Hindu Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, West Bengal. Officials and Indian media said the death toll has risen to at least 19, with 25 injured. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 6 bodies had been identified. A senior officer at the scene said heavy rain at night, then a broadcast, caused a crush as people queuing outside pushed forward and fell. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted condolences on Facebook and said the West Bengal government was giving every possible help to victims' families.

   Oct 19, 2026 Afternoon