Kolkata: A festive evening turned into a tragedy in north Kolkata on Saturday when a massive crowd surge amidst heavy rain triggered a fatal stampede at a prominent Durga Puja venue. Nineteen devotees lost their lives, with seventeen dying on the spot, while twenty-five others sustained injuries. 

Twelve detained following Maha Saptami tragedy

Police moved swiftly on Saturday night, detaining twelve people, including organisers of the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. Officers are currently questioning the suspects to determine the exact cause of the disaster on Maha Saptami evening.

"We have detained 12 people in connection with our probe into the Chorebagan incident. Our officers are talking to them to find out the cause that led to today's mishap. If any lapses are found, we will act as per the law," a police officer told PTI.

The detentions followed promises of strict action by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari against anyone responsible for crowd mismanagement. Among the injured shifted to hospitals, twenty-four are now out of danger, while one remains in critical condition.

SIT inquiry ordered and CCTV footage seized

To ensure a thorough investigation, Chief Minister Adhikari announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the tragedy. The team will be headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court and will include officers from the Special Task Force (STF), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and other departments. The Chief Minister added that he will write to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court requesting a dedicated fact-finding committee, incorporating STF and forensic teams.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Rowdy Section (ARS) of Kolkata Police has seized CCTV footage from the pandal to analyse crowd movement leading up to the mishap.

Speaking on accountability, Adhikari warned: "We will check the footage and take appropriate measures against those who failed to manage the crowd. That could be a member of the puja committee, a homeguard, a temporary worker, a policeman, or a private company security guard. Nobody will be spared".

Compensation announced as central leadership steps in

Visiting the site to oversee relief efforts, Chief Minister Adhikari pledged full support to affected families. "This is a tragic incident. 19 people have lost their lives, 17 of whom died on the spot. 25 people have been injured; 24 of them are out of danger, while one remains in critical condition. The government is making every possible effort. We are working even through the night, and we have also announced compensation," he stated.

The state government announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh along with a government job for the family of each deceased person. Injured victims will receive Rs 5 lakh each, with the state bearing all medical treatment costs. Adhikari noted that three members from affected families met him and expressed confidence in the administration.

The disaster also led to changes in high-level political schedules. Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his planned programmes to visit the Medical College on Sunday morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the Chief Secretary for a detailed report, which was submitted, and announced central relief compensation. Adhikari confirmed that central and state authorities are coordinating closely.

Political debate swells amidst safety drive across Bengal

The tragedy has sparked political debate. Dismissing opposition claims, Adhikari said: "Everyone is well aware of the role of the previous government in similar incidents that occurred in the past. Some are attempting to politicise this, but it will be to no avail. I have met with the families of the deceased, and they have explicitly stated that they have full faith in the Chief Minister and the government".

In a direct attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari questioned her handling of past Puja crises. He noted that 13 people died of electrocution during rain in the 2025 Puja season, and 100 people perished in North Bengal floods from the Darjeeling hills to Nagrakata, asking whether she visited those affected families.

Meanwhile, news of the stampede has prompted Durga Puja committees elsewhere in West Bengal to heighten safety. In Siliguri, organisers have deployed additional volunteers, increased police presence, and started continuous public announcements to ensure smooth crowd movement and safety for devotees.