Pankaj Tripathi celebrated Durgashtami and Dussehra with his family in Kolkata this year, returning to a city that holds a special place in his personal life. The actor shares a close connection with Kolkata through his wife, Mridula Tripathi, whose maternal home is in the city. Over the years, his visits have strengthened his bond with its culture, traditions and people. Pankaj has frequently travelled to Kolkata with Mridula to spend time with her family and experience the citys cultural atmosphere. His association with the city has also earned him the affectionate tag of Kolkatas son-in-law. This festive season, the actor reunited with his loved ones to celebrate Durgashtami and Dussehra, embracing the traditions associated with the occasion. For Pankaj, celebrating festivals is as much about spending time with family as it is about observing rituals. Kolkatas Durga Puja celebrations, the devotion to Maa Durga and the citys festive atmosphere have long been close to his heart. Being in the city for the celebrations gave him an opportunity to reconnect with its traditions and create more memories with his family. Speaking about his connection with Kolkata and celebrating the festival there, Pankaj Tripathi said, Kolkata has always held a very special place in my heart. My relationship with this city began through Mridula and her family, but over the years, Kolkata has become so much more than just my in-laws city. It has become a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging, where I have built beautiful memories and where I always look forward to returning. People affectionately call me Kolkatas son-in-law, and I feel genuinely fortunate to have received so much love from this city. There is something truly magical about Kolkata, especially during Durga Puja. The devotion, the energy, the beautiful pandals, the traditions and the way people come together to celebrate Maa Durga are extraordinary. You can feel the citys soul during this time. I have always admired Bengals culture and its rich traditions, and being here for Durgashtami with my family makes the occasion even more special. This year is particularly memorable because as a family we are celebrating Dusshera after a very long time in Kolkata. Festivals are also a time to slow down, spend quality time with your loved ones and reconnect with the things that truly matter in life. Amidst our professional commitments and busy schedules, these moments with family become invaluable. I am happy that we could be in Kolkata this year, celebrate Durgashtami and Dussehra together, and experience the warmth and beauty of this incredible city once again. Pankajs visit highlights his continued connection with Kolkata and the family ties that have made the city an important part of his life. While the actor has visited the city over the years to spend time with his in-laws, celebrating the festivals together after a long time made this occasion particularly meaningful. His association with Kolkata reflects how family connections can develop into a lasting bond with a city and its cultural traditions. Also Read : Pankaj Tripathi pays tribute to Nana Patekar: For me, this feels like losing a Guru this truly feels like the end of an era
Beyond Duty: Kolkata Traffic Cop Helps Homeless Children Pursue Their Education
Kolkata Traffic Sergeant Prakash Ghosh Helps Homeless Eight-Year-Old Boy With Studies, Showing Compassion Beyond Official Duties
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Watch: Kolkata Durga Pandal stampede: 7 arrested, probe underway
A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbajanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, West Bengal, killed 19 people, including four children. Seven people, including two committee office-bearers, have been arrested. Kolkata Police have registered a culpable homicide case as the State government announces compensation and introduces stricter crowd management measures at Durga Puja pandals.
Bengal: Two killed, one injured in Siliguri road accident
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 19 (IANS) Two young men lost their lives on the spot in a head-on collision between a bike and a scooter on the old bridge at Jhongkar crossing in north Bengal's Siliguri on Monday. Both the vehicles were severely mangled in the accident. Another young man on the scooter was seriously injured due to the intensity of the incident and is currently fighting for his life in the ICU of a private hospital. This untimely death in the festive atmosphere has cast a shadow of deep grief over the city. According to the locals, one of the deceased is Arijit Pramanik, a resident of Goyerkata. He had come to visit a relative's house in Siliguri on the occasion of Durga Puja. On Monday, he was riding his bike towards Jhongkar crossing from the direction of Air View crossing, while Shankar Singh, a 17-year-old resident of Ward No. 3 of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, and a friend of his were returning home on a scooter from the opposite direction. The speed of the two vehicles on the old bridge at Jhongkar intersection was so high that it was impossible to avoid a head-on collision. Due to the intensity of the collision, Arijit and Shankar died on the spot. The police of Khalpara outpost reached the accident site within a moment after receiving the news of the incident. They rescued Shankar's friend in a critical condition and admitted him to a private hospital in Matigara, where his physical condition is said to be very critical. On the other hand, the police recovered the two bodies and first sent them to the Siliguri District Hospital and later shifted them to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for autopsy. The initial assumption of the police is that the two vehicles lost control due to excessive speed on the empty road in the early morning, which led to this tragic outcome. However, the police have started a detailed investigation into the entire incident to find out if there was any other reason behind the accident. This is the first major fatal accident in Siliguri during the ongoing Durga Puja festival. The families of the two young men and residents are shocked by such a heart-breaking incident on the auspicious morning of Ashtami.
Kolkata stampede: Three Durga Puja committees issued fire safety notices
The notices were issued to Chetla Agrani, Ballygunge Cultural Association and Tridhara Sammilani after a high-level fire services team inspected major pandals and identified shortcomings in safety arrangements
Video of ASI sexually harassing volunteer at Kolkata puja pandal goes viral; cop arrested
Sourav Ganguly offers prayers on Maha Ashtami in Behala
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered prayers on Maha Ashtami and expressed profound sadness over the tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, urging devotees to exercise extreme caution amidst large crowds.
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede VIDEOS | Kolkata Puja Crowd Scrambles, Then An Announcement
A loudspeaker warning people to leave the pandal was suspected to have triggered the stampede in a North Kolkata neighbourhood that killed 19 on Saturday. However, more details have emerged that added more angles on what exactly or whether a combination of factors led to one of the biggest tragedies in the city in recent times. Now, a video recorded right before the stampede happened at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in the northern part of the crowded city, which NDTV has accessed, has raised troubling questions on the crowd management methods used by the organisers of the pandal. The streets were narrow. Residents said they were not safe enough to handle the kind of crowds that turned up there to see the decorations at the pandal.
Belur Math shows the way as Kolkata stampede raises crowd control questions
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 19 (IANS) Thousands of devotees gathered at Belur Math, the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata, on Monday to witness the sacred ritual of 'Kumari Puja' performed with strict discipline on the occasion of Maha Ashtami. The smooth management of a huge crowd at Belur Math drew sharp public comparisons with the arrangements at a north Kolkata community Durga Puja pandal, where a stampede on October 17 claimed 19 lives amid serious lapses in crowd management. For years, Kumari Puja has been celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion by followers of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, his spiritual consort Maa Sarada, and Swami Vivekananda, a senior Belur Math official said. This year was no different. The enthusiasm and spiritual earnestness of the devotees and followers of Thakur Ramakrishna, Sarada Maa and Swamiji could never compromise the sanctity, spiritual essence and organised manner in which the occasion is celebrated. The scene is the same this year as well, the Math official added. The peaceful proceedings at Belur Math drew sharp public comparisons as well. Observers questioned why community organisers struggle with crowd control during lower footfalls when Belur Math manages massive crowds smoothly every year on the occasion of Kumari Puja. The question assumes significance following the Durga Puja pandal stampede in the city. Reports of lapses in crowd management have drawn attention to the arrangements made at large religious gatherings across the city. Devotees attributed the stark difference to Belur Maths absolute rejection of VIP culture and special passes, which plague community pandals during peak hours. One reason is that Belur Math authorities have never encouraged VIP culture. On the contrary, the system of VIP passes has existed among community Durga Pujas for years, making efficient crowd management more difficult during peak hours of pandal-hopping. Secondly, as I feel, the ambience within Belur Math is so sacred that devotees do not mind standing for hours and instead of trying to use their influence to get additional benefits, a devotee, who visits the Math every year for Kumari Puja, said. It is a different issue altogether that even if anyone tried to use their influence, it would have no impact on the Belur Math management, the devotee added. This year, Belur Math is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its Durga Puja, adding to the enthusiasm among devotees. On Monday morning, visitors began arriving in large numbers to participate in the Maha Ashtami celebrations. Several devotees from other states also travelled to Kolkata specifically to attend the occasion. Kumari Puja remains one of the principal attractions of the celebrations. During the ritual, a young girl is worshipped as a manifestation of the Divine Mother. The combination of traditional devotion, scriptural observances and customs associated with Swami Vivekananda has given the ceremony a distinctive place in Belur Math's religious traditions. For devotees, Kumari Puja also represents respect for women's power and dignity. Inspired by the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and supported by Maa Sarada, Swamiji established Belur Math as a centre for spiritual learning and service. His followers often interpret his vision of transforming human life as a call for a change in social attitudes, particularly in recognising women's dignity and power. Swami Vivekananda introduced Kumari Puja at Belur Math to express reverence for a young girl as a symbol of Matru-Shakti, or feminine power. The ritual also reflects Shri Ramakrishna's spiritual belief in recognising the Divine Mother in every woman. Historical records indicate that nine girls were worshipped during the first Kumari Puja at Belur Math in 1901. Since then, the ritual has become an integral part of the institution's Durga Puja celebrations on Maha Ashtami.
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead, 7 Arrested; Security Tightened At Delhi's CR Park
A stampede at Kolkatas Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Maha Saptami claimed 19 lives and left at least 25 people injured amid heavy rain and overcrowding. The incident has raised serious questions about crowd management, emergency exits and security arrangements. Seven people, including the puja committees secretary and vice-president, have been arrested. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said preliminary inputs suggest that announcements and whistles blown by private security personnel may have triggered the rush. The West Bengal government has announced compensation of 25 lakh and a Group D government job for each deceased victims family. Meanwhile, security has been tightened at Delhis Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja venues, with increased police deployment and additional crowd-control measures.
'Pandal Collapsing' Announcement Caused Panic: Eyewitness On Kolkata Stampede
Eyewitnesses said the loudspeaker announcement came just as pushing and shoving began at the pandal amid a sudden rain
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 19
Air Ambulance Diverted to Dhaka After Door Opens Mid-Air, Patient Reportedly Dies
Agartala, October 19: An emergency diversion to Dhaka disrupted an air ambulance flight from Agartala to Kolkata on Sunday after the aircrafts door reportedly opened while it was airborne, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident. The aircraft, operated by SKB Infracon Private Limited, was carrying critically ill patient Anjana Bhowmik and six other... The post Air Ambulance Diverted to Dhaka After Door Opens Mid-Air, Patient Reportedly Dies first appeared on Northeast Today .
Beyond religiosity: on the Kolkata pandal tragedy| The Hindu Editorial
At least 19 people lost their lives in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkatas Girish Park area. Sudden rain, narrow entry and exit points, and a surge of visitors reportedly contributed to the tragedy. The incident has raised questions about crowd management, police deployment and safety arrangements at large public gatherings. Could better planning and crowd regulation have prevented the deaths?
Girish Park police station OC removed after Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 19 (IANS) In the aftermath of a stampede in a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal which killed 19 people and left 25 people injured, the administration has removed the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Girish Park Police Station, said a government official on Monday. Girish Park Police Station OC, Sumit Kumar Ghosh, was removed from the charge of the police station. In his place, Kolkata Police Detective Department officer Hirak Dalapati has been given additional charge of the police station. He has been asked to take up the new responsibility immediately. According to an official order, Hirak Dalapati, Inspector of Police (I-Cadre), Detective Department of Kolkata Police, will look after the work of the office of the Officer-In-Charge of Girish Park PS under Central Division, Kolkata Police, in addition to his own duties, with immediate effect in the interest of public service until further orders. In addition, Lalbazar (Kolkata Police headquarters) has sent 11 strict instructions to all police stations along with the urgent deployment of nine experienced IPS officers to handle the crowd during the city's puja in the remaining days of the festival. On the night of Saptami that fell on Saturday, as many as 19 people lost their lives in the stampede in the Chorebagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal and at least 25 people were injured. Eyewitnesses and visitors erupted in anger against the police and administration after this tragic incident. Their clear complaint is that the police could not handle the crowd properly. Even after the accident, the police and the disaster management team were late in reaching and helping in the rescue operations. Yesterday, the Bankshall Court remanded seven accused arrested in connection with the incident to 10 days of police custody, until October 28. After the disaster at the puja pandal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari went to the state police traffic control room at Araksha Bhavan in Salt Lake on Sunday evening. From there, he reached Lalbazar. He sat in the control room and surveyed the situation. Although there was anger against the police, Suvendu Adhikari said, The police have performed their duty. The allegations of negligence will be investigated. After the Chorebagan stampede incident, Lalbazar is not willing to take any more risks with the security of the city during the remaining days of the festival. At least nine IPS officers, who have long experience in handling crowds during the puja, have been brought back to the Kolkata Police.
Presidium School, Nehru World School win Delhi leg of ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS) Presidium School Team A from Gurgaon and Nehru World School Team A from Ghaziabad emerged as the girls and boys champions, respectively, at the Delhi leg of the ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament, which concluded at the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The under-16 school basketball competition saw teams from across the region compete for honours and places in the national finals, scheduled for December 2026. The tournament is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at developing young basketball talent through competitive opportunities. In the boys category, Nehru World School Team A secured the title with Ansh Tomer, Jatin Sharma, Darshil Singh and Vansh Sharma forming the winning lineup. Meerut Public School Team A from Delhi finished runners-up, while The Maan School Team A, also from Delhi, claimed third place. Presidium School Team A dominated the girls competition to take the championship, with Anaya Dhankhar, Ava Dahiya, Ayana Gupta and Aahana Bisht comprising the victorious team. Shiv Nadar School Team A from Noida finished second, while Meerut Public School Team A secured third place. Anaya Dhankhar and Darshil Singh were recognised with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards for their performances during the Delhi leg. The tournament also selected All-Star teams in both divisions, providing additional opportunities for young players to progress. The top two teams in each category, along with one All-Star team from each division, will advance to the national finals in December. The 2026 edition marks a shift to an under-16 age classification, with the programme operating under the theme Where Stars Are Born. The tournament is being conducted by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in association with ACG and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). The national competition is scheduled to visit 10 Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Indore, Kochi, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Prayagraj and Ludhiana. The ACG Jr. NBA programme focuses on teaching basketball fundamentals and promoting the sports core values among young people. Last year, the initiative engaged more than 8,000 players across 2,000 boys and girls teams representing 900 schools, with over 2,700 games played across 10 cities. The programme forms part of the NBAs broader youth development efforts in India, which also include NBA Basketball School, a network of training programmes for boys and girls aged six to 18 across 13 cities, operated by India On Track.
Indian Woman Dies After Air Ambulance Makes Emergency Landing in Bangladesh
Aircraft reportedly suffered a technical fault that caused its door to partially open mid-air during a flight from Agartala to Kolkata
Tripura: Agartala-Kolkata air ambulance makes emergency landing in Dhaka; patient dies
Guwahati: An air ambulance bound for Kolkata from Tripuras Agartala had to divert to Bangladeshs capital, Dhaka, after its door reportedly opened mid-flight. The aircraft, carrying a patient in critical condition and six other people, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The incident took place during Durga Puja, interrupting the planned transfer of a patient [] The post Tripura: Agartala-Kolkata air ambulance makes emergency landing in Dhaka; patient dies appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Gold and silver prices today, 19 October: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Kolkata stampede: Locals blame heavy rush, rainfall and shortage of volunteers
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has brought under the investigation scanner temporary home guards deployed for duty at a Kolkata puja pandal
7 held for Kolkata stampede; pandal collapse warning triggered run?
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Kolkata Puja Stampede Puts BJP-Linked Committee Under Scrutiny
Jayanta Banerjee, who played a key role in making Chorbagan one of Kolkata's prominent Durga Puja destinations, was a close friend of Kartik Banerjee
Before anything else, recognise a national tragedy
A tragic stampede occurred during Durga Pujo celebrations in Kolkata, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people. The chaos reportedly started after an announcement about a pandal collapse triggered a panic rush for a narrow exit. This incident highlights the ongoing issues with crowd management and the lack of safety measures at such events. Authorities need to adopt non-negotiable safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Politics of change at the pandals
West Bengals first Durga Puja under the BJP government reflects a political shift, with changes in puja committee leadership, themes and a growing emphasis on religious traditions. Shiv Sahay Singh and Shrabana Chatterjee explore the festivities from debates over food and cultural identity to restrictions on public spaces to reveal how the new regime is reshaping the States political and cultural landscape
Panel to probe Kolkata stampede; nine IPS officers to handle festive rush
A high-powered committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will probe the adverse incident at the Chorbagan Puja Committee. To improve crowd control, nine IPS officers have been assigned to manage the festivals crowds effectively. The disaster management secretary and other officials are inspecting various puja pandals to ensure safety measures. Compensation cheques of 25 lakh will be distributed to the bereaved families on specified dates.
Police tighten security at puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Kolkata Woman Defrauded of Rs 61 Lakh by Fake NIA Officers in Mumbai
UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs safety checks at Durga Puja pandals amid Kolkata stampede
Bihar CM, Nitin others condole Kolkata deaths
7 Held For Fatal Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede
Kolkata Police arrested seven puja committee members after a stampede killed 19 people and injured 25 at a Durga Puja pandal. A judicial probe and compensation were announced.
Police review Durga Puja safety protocols after Kolkata tragedy
Asphyxia Caused Most Deaths In Kolkata Stampede
Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.
Bharat Ki Baat Batata Hoon | Tiger Shroff Firing News: ! | Kolkata Stampede
Bharat Ki Baat Batata Hoon | Tiger Shroff Firing News: ! | Kolkata Stampede
Bengal deploys nine IPS officers for Puja crowd control
Following a fatal pandal stampede, the West Bengal government has deployed nine experienced IPS officers to manage Durga Puja crowds in Kolkata. The Kolkata Police also issued an 11-point advisory, detailing measures like closing pandal entries during rain, regulating visitor movement, and coordinating with puja organisers to ensure safety during the festive rush.
Majority of victims in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are women, children
Among the 19 dead are 13 females, including two minors; the two other deceased minors are males
Winter fog disrupts rail travel; cancellations impact Golden Temple pilgrims & Kolkata passengers
A stampede at Kolkatas Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal killed 19 people and injured 25. The incident has drawn attention to limits in crowd-monitoring technology, including failures in dense, rainy conditions, and to risks posed by temporary structures under heavy rain and crowd pressure.
Kolkata stampede: CM Suvendu orders probe into role of temporary home guards
Taking a dig at the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, Adhikari also claimed that his administration had inherited a baggage of rubbish from the erstwhile regime, adding that cleaning up the system would take time
Indian air ambulance lands in Dhaka after door opens mid-air; patient later dies
The aircraft, flying from Agartala to Kolkata, made a safe emergency landing at Dhaka airport
CISF plans sector-specific functional reorganisation from Nov 1
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS) The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will reorganise its administrative and operational control structure from November 1 to enable sector-specific supervision, efficiency and coordination, an official said on Sunday. The functional reorganisation, approved by the Union Home Ministry, assumes significance as the CISF's mandate is expanding beyond conventional industrial security to encompass new and specialised security responsibilities, an official statement said. Under the reorganisation, the National Capital Region Sector has been reorganised into the Government Building Museums and Monuments and Mass Rapid Transit System (GBMM & MRTS) Sector in New Delhi. The North Sector (New Delhi) and North Eastern Sector-II (Kolkata) have been restructured as the Power-I and Power-II Sectors, respectively, the statement said. The Eastern Sector (Ranchi) has been transitioned into the Coal Sector, while the Central Sector (Bhilai) is now the dedicated Steel Sector, it added. The North Eastern Sector (Guwahati) has been transformed into the Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector, it said. To fortify India's maritime trade infrastructure, the Western Sector (Mumbai) and South Sector (Chennai) have been respectively transformed into the West Coast Port Sector and the East Coast Port Sector, it added. The existing Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Space (DoS) Sector in Bengaluru, and Airport Sector-I in New Delhi, and Airport Sector-II in Bengaluru, will continue under their respective functional arrangements, the statement said. The CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The functional realignment of port-sector supervision is expected to support the development of specialised port-security expertise and coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders, the statement added. Under the earlier arrangement, administrative and operational supervision was largely organised on the basis of territorial jurisdiction. Over the past 25 years, the CISF adopted a functional approach in selected sectors, including aviation and strategic establishments under the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space. The experience gained from this approach highlighted the advantages of specialised supervision, focused training, sector-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), better utilisation of specialised personnel and closer coordination with the concerned organisations, the statement said. Building on this experience, the CISF has reviewed the supervisory structure of the remaining territorial sectors and undertaken their functional realignment after detailed deliberations with supervisory formations, branches at Force Headquarters and senior officers, followed by approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the statement added.
'There will never be a Durga Puja in our lives again'
Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.
Videos from Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal show panic after an announcement warned, Pandal is collapsing, before a stampede killed 19 people and injured 25.
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 7 Accused Sent To 10-Day Police Custody
The accused were given 10 days of police custody by a local court on Sunday.
Panel inspects Bengal Puja pandals' safety after stampede
A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.
Bengal CM hints at scrapping VIP gates at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Following a tragic stampede during Durga Puja celebrations, Kolkata Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced reforms for crowd management. The government may ban VIP gates to ensure equal access for all puja revellers. A special investigation team will be formed to examine the incident's circumstances and police actions. Compensation will be provided to victims and their families, with a focus on improving future safety measures.
10-Day Police Custody For 7 Accused In Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede
Police had registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder over the stampede that broke out around 7:40 pm on Saturday amid heavy rain.
Kolkata Tragedy: Chief Minister to Meet Victims Families and Distribute Compensation Checks
West Bengals Chief Minister to meet families of victims from the Kolkata stampede, offering compensation checks on October 20 and 21. Kolkata Tragedy: Chief Minister to Meet Victims Families and Distribute Compensation Checks
Police step up vigil at Ranchi puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Opinion: Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Suvendu Adhikari's First Major Challenge As Chief Minister
The tragedy is not simply a question of how a single puja committee organised its festival. It is also a test of the administration's ability to anticipate risks and respond effectively when a large public gathering becomes dangerous.
Kolkata: 7 arrested over Durga Puja stampede produced before local court
Police on Sunday produced before a local court the seven arrested persons in connection with the stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, which resulted in the death of 19 people, a senior official said. Twenty-five people were also injured in the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, following a crowd surge amid rain on Saturday evening. The arrested persons have been taken to Bankshall court. We would appeal for their custody, the official told PTI. Those arrested include the puja committee's secretary, vice-president and two employees of a private security agency. Police have also registered a suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the case.
Kolkata stampede: Suvendu puts home guards under scanner
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has initiated an investigation into the role of temporary home guards following a stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people. Adhikari criticised the previous administration and highlighted issues with crowd management and the conduct of home guards during the incident. The probe will also include puja organisers and licensing authorities, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed. Seven people, including organisers, have been arrested.
Chorbagan stampede: Former secretary says idol's shifting went against tradition
Former Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee general secretary Jayanta Banerjee has expressed anguish over the stampede that killed 19 people in north Kolkata, saying this year's shift in the idol's position went against long-followed community practices. He said he had repeatedly cautioned organisers against the change but did not link it to the tragedy.
Kolkata Police Issues Guidelines After Tragic Stampede During Durga Puja
Following a deadly stampede, Kolkata police have canceled VIP passes and issued new guidelines for Durga Puja organizers. Kolkata Police Issues Guidelines After Tragic Stampede During Durga Puja
Pandal Collapse Warning May Have Triggered Kolkata Stampede That Killed 19
A microphone announcement warning visitors that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal was at risk of collapsing may have triggered panic and contributed to a stampede in north Kolkata that killed 19 people and injured 25. Kolkata Police is examining a video of the announcement and investigating who made it and why.
Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Witnessed Crowd Chaos Before Stampede
Videos show revellers pushing past barricades and clashing with police at Kolkatas Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal before Saturdays stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25. Heavy crowds and repeated restrictions on movement had highlighted growing pressure at the venue in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Narrow space, single gate: Home guards role under lens in Kolkata stampede; 7 remanded
Suvendu Adhikari has ordered an investigation into the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths. The crowded conditions worsened by rain contributed significantly to the tragic event. Adhikari criticized the previous TMC administration for leaving behind issues that led to this disaster. Additionally, seven individuals connected to the incident have been remanded to police custody for further questioning.
Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede: 7 accused sent to 10-day police custody
Kolkata Police releases guidelines for puja organisers, cancels all VIP passes after stampede
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 18 (IANS) A day after 19 people were killed in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, the city police on Sunday issued several instructions for police personnel and puja organisers for the remainder of puja days. The major instruction among them is that all VIP passes to visit the pandals have been cancelled. It has been instructed that no food stalls of any kind can be kept at the entry and exit points of such pavilions. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has issued a set of instructions to all police stations in Kolkata in this regard. Through this directive, it will be possible to maintain continuous smooth communication between the police and the security personnel and the pandal authorities. The Police Commissioner has said in his instructions that from now on the control of the public address system will be in the hands of the police. Apart from this, there will be not only volunteers in the pandals, but at least one Police Constable as well. Apart from this, the entry and exit points of the pandals will have to be kept empty. It has been told in this directive that it is also necessary to check whether there is adequate lighting inside the pandal and the entry and exit points of the pandal. Apart from this, all the Inspectors of Kolkata Police will have Manpack radio set through which it will be possible to maintain constant communication with the Puja committee. The police on Sunday arrested seven people, including organisers, in connection with the stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives. A large number of devotees were injured following a stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata as an excessive crowd flocked into the pandal arena to catch a glimpse of the idols. Tension broke out among visitors at the Puja pandal after a portion of the exit gate structure collapsed. The injured were immediately rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and two other state hospitals. Nearly 17 people were declared brought dead at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 injured were admitted for treatment. Out of them, the condition of one is said to be critical. The death toll reached 19 on Sunday.
Telangana BJP chief demands proper probe into Kolkata stampede
Hyderabad: Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief N Ramchander Rao has demanded a proper probe and action against those responsible for the stampede at a Durga Puja Mandal in Kolkata, where 19 people lost their lives. The stampede in West Bengal, in Kolkata, is a big tragedy, and I condole the deaths of the devotees Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Seven accused in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede remanded to 10-day police custody
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Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengal
Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengals Durgapur Kolkata: Five people were killed and five others critically injured in two separate road accidents in West Burdwan districts Durgapur on Sunday, police said. The two accidents took place on National Highway 19 in Durgapur. DCP, East, of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Raspreet Singh said, Five [] The post Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengals Durgapur appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Sudden rain, poor crowd management likely led to Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: What we know so far
'Sudden rain, narrow space led to Durga Puja stampede'
Locals of Chorbagan area of Kolkata on Sunday said sudden rainfall, narrow space, heavy rush of visitors and lack of adequate volunteers and police for crowd management contributed to the stampede at the Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives on the previous day.
Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: SIT under sitting judge to probe tragedy, says CM
The stampede, triggered by a massive rush of devotees at the Durga Puja pandal, claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured. Adhikari said six people had been arrested in connection with the incident and that two of the injured remained in the ICU
The stampede at Kolkatas Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal has left many in shock and mourning. Several celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Subhashree Ganguly, took to social media to express their grief and offer condolences to those affected by the tragic incident.
Kalyan Banerjee alleges maladministration in Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede
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Kolkata Stampede: Committee Visits famous Durga Puja Pandals to Review Safety Norms
The panel members would visit several crowd-puller Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata to oversee safety and security norms and crowd management plans
49 Seconds Of Panic: Video Shows Kolkata Puja Pandal Crowd Crush That Killed 19. Watch
Women and children can be heard crying for help. Visitors are packed shoulder-to-shoulder inside a narrow, barricaded passage beneath a low roof. Some appear to brace themselves against the wall to avoid falling.
Faridabad Durga Puja Pandals Checked After Kolkata Stampede: Broad Gates Found
Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 restrictions in parts of Bowbazar from October 18 to 20 following the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, reportedly claiming 19 lives. The order restricts unlawful gatherings and dangerous weapons. Authorities announced compensation for victims' families
Kolkata Stampede: 18 Victims From Bengal, One From Bihar, Says Suvendu
Suvendu Adhikari announces Rs 25 lakh compensation for each victims family and says police, civic body and fire services personnel have been excluded from the SIT probing the tragedy.
Kolkata Police Makes Lighting Mandatory At Puja Pandals After Stampede Tragedy
In the wake of the deadly Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, Kolkata Police has issued fresh directives to all puja pandals across the city, making adequate illumination inside pandals mandatory. Police stations have been instructed to inspect venues and ensure sufficient lighting arrangements, amid concerns that poor visibility inside the Chorbagan pandal may have contributed to the crowd crush that claimed 19 lives.
BJP Leaders Express Condolences Over Kolkata Stampede and Gwalior Incident
BJP leaders mourn the tragic incidents in Kolkata and Gwalior, calling for strict action against those responsible and support for affected families. BJP Leaders Express Condolences Over Kolkata Stampede and Gwalior Incident
BJP MLA's 'Mistakes Happen' Remark On Kolkata Stampede Triggers Row
A BJP MLA has sparked controversy with his remarks on the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede that claimed 19 lives, saying othing is foolproof and that mistakes happen. The comments drew criticism amid the ongoing probe into the tragedy, with political opponents calling the remarks insensitive as investigators examine alleged lapses in crowd management and safety arrangements.
Kolkata Stampede: 'Should Not Have Happened,' Says Dilip Ghosh as Probe Continues
Reacting to the deadly Durga Puja stampede in Kolkata, Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh termed the incident unfortunate and said it should never have happened. He stated that the government has made all possible arrangements to support the victims and assist grieving families.
Chorbagan tragedy: Bengal CM seeks SIT probe under HC judge, reviews safety lapses
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to probe the tragic incident at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata that left 19 people dead, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on...
The Chief Minister announced that new crowd management guidelines will be drawn after the stampedes lesson.
Kolkata Stampede News | CCTV Captures The Horror At The Durga Puja Stampede That Killed 19
Shocking visuals from the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede show scenes of panic as devotees scramble amid a sudden crowd surge at the packed pandal. The video captures the chaotic moments during the crush, with the tragedy reigniting questions over crowd management, safety arrangements and emergency response at one of the city's busiest puja venues.
Video Shows Moment Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede Broke Out, Killing 19
The video showed the moment a stampede broke out at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening, leaving 19 people dead.
Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks
A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal led to 19 fatalities and 25 injuries. A committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will investigate the incident. Compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh will be given to each family of the deceased. Inspections of Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata are being conducted to enhance safety measures.
22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across metro cities on October 18
Watch: Dilip Ghosh on Kolkata pandol stampede : Such incidents should not happen
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh calls the Kolkata pandol stampede unfortunate, saying such incidents should not happen. He says organisers must take greater precautions and the government has made arrangements to assist the injured and grieving families.
Kolkata Stampede Video Captures Panic As Crowd Surge Triggers Chaos At Pandal
Shocking visuals from the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede show scenes of panic as devotees scramble amid a sudden crowd surge at the packed pandal. The video captures the chaotic moments during the crush, with the tragedy reigniting questions over crowd management, safety arrangements and emergency response at one of the city's busiest puja venues.
Pandal will collapse: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19
A microphone announcement warning that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata could collapse may have triggered panic, contributing to a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday. Police are examining a video of the warning while investigating alleged crowd-management lapses, confusing announcements and the sudden rush for shelter from rain.
Kolkata stampede: Amit Shah visits hospital, meets injured devotees
Kolkata stampede: Amit Shah visits hospital, meets injured devotees Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday visited the private hospital in Kolkata and met some of the 14 individuals who were admitted there after the stampede at the community Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives. Besides, inquiring from the hospital authorities about the [] The post Kolkata stampede: Amit Shah visits hospital, meets injured devotees appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Watch: Amit Shah visits hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede that killed 19 people and left 25 injured. Accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Shah was expected to speak to doctors and review the treatment of the injured.
Kolkata Puja Pandal Stampede Kills 19, Injures 25; Probe Ordered
KOLKATA, Oct 17: At least 19 people were killed and 25 injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening amid heavy crowding and rain on Maha Saptami. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job for the [] The post Kolkata Puja Pandal Stampede Kills 19, Injures 25; Probe Ordered appeared first on Northlines .
Bengal Governor RN Ravi visits Kolkata pandal stampede victims
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