FIR Filed Against CPI(M) Leader Mohammad Salim Over Alleged Insults to Durga Puja
CPI(M) leader Mohammad Salim faces FIR for derogatory remarks about Durga Puja, sparking tensions with the BJP in Kolkata. FIR Filed Against CPI(M) Leader Mohammad Salim Over Alleged Insults to Durga Puja
Statements, overtures & conduct of the 'regime-change gang' expose their own intent
FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS With the onset of the month of October 2026, there was once again a campaign of street protests, unauthorised gatherings disrupting the normal routine of life and social media-based noise trying to hoodwink the opinion of the general masses seen in a few cities and towns of the country. Their main focus was on the capital of the country -New Delhi. Some other cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai were also affected marginally. The main issue this time was the so-called resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gaynesh Kumar, for his organisation's nationwide work on Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls (SIR). The primary organisers this time were parties and forums like Congress, AAP and CJP. Having failed to achieve anything tangible in political terms after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the then Minister for HRD, in July 2026, all such elements made it sure that more and more chaos, confusion and an environment of political abuse and hatred against the people in power at the Centre and the institutions established by the Constitution and law are made as the new rules of the game. They do so to create a perpetual atmosphere of violence, law and order and anarchy throughout the length and breadth of the country, irrespective of its negative impact on the economic growth, peace, progress and the status of the country among the comity of nations. And they do it brazenly in the name of 'saving the constitution'. Earlier in the month of June and July this year, their main agenda was the paper-leak, NEET examination reforms and the resignation of the HRD Minister. The way the organisers, and mainly the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was provided 'accommodation' by the government in regard to the holding of their protest and other allied activities surely gave the organisers a claim of victory. The 20th July unauthorised rally at and outside the Jantar-Mantar, followed by violence and arson in Delhi, brought several facts to light and gave a real and befitting introduction of the organisers -CJP to the public at large. Their real faces were unmasked consequent upon the unfortunate events of 20th July, which in a way dashed their moral standing in the eyes of the countrymen. The CJP, after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, began a campaign of 'school reforms' and started making their trips to various government schools without any proper permission from the authorities. However, they chose to keep their campaign limited to the BJP-NDA-ruled states and didn't venture to go beyond that. Opposition-ruled states were exempted from such atrocious campaigns, which angered the people concerned. Thus, they received a lukewarm response to their campaign, and at several places, the people started to oppose their entry into their villages and surroundings. They received tough opposition even in public parks and grounds in sub-urban areas at several places. It was in the month of September, 2026 that the CJP announced to go for one more protest demonstration on 10 October, 2026 at Jantar-Mantar, New Delhi to press for the resignation of the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar. Now, they converted their movement into a full-fledged politically oriented agitation. Armed and alarmed both by their announcement, the Congress party, which believed that the resignation of the CEC was their exclusive agenda supported by a few other parties, counter-announced their own plan to organise their protests on the same issue. The Congress held its nationwide protests, with a focus in Delhi, to march towards the CEC's office on 25th September 2026 to exert pressure for the resignation of the CEC on their invented flimsy grounds. The Congress agitators faced police barricades at the BJP headquarters and the Nirvachan Sadan in Delhi. In order to build a false narrative on the issue, some other protests by opposition groups and individuals were also organised on 3 and 6 October, 2026, in which the police detained some demonstrators for protesting without permission at Jantar-Mantar. On 6 October, senior leaders of the opposition INDI alliance, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, staged a march to the Election Commission office and were blocked by police barricades near the Election Commission headquarters. The leaders, without any permission, instead gate-crashed the adjacent Akashwani Bhavan premises and again staged a two-hour sit-in protest there. Several leaders were detained and released later. The government and the administration this time took extra and exclusive measures unlike July 20, 2026 and didn't grant any permission for any sort of assembly at Jantar-Mantar. All precautions were made to maintain public order. Authorities enforced a massive security lockdown in central Delhi to foil any rally planned by the CJP. The CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other senior organisers of CJP were detained immediately upon landing at the Delhi airport. The other passengers in the flight also rebuked the CJP leaders for their conduct. On the other hand, the police sealed off Jantar Mantar, closed 45 metro stations, cancelled incoming trains, and detained over 2,000 people to prevent any unauthorised assembly in the capital. Though there were some provocations that could escalate the situation and create violence, arson and law-and-order situations bigger than on 20 July, 2026, but the police administration remained alert and vigilant to foil all such designs. This time, only a few hundreds of people gathered on the roads surrounding Jantar-Mantar who were not allowed to enter the debarred venue. Criminals and history-sheeters were also not allowed to enter the crowd of protesters. Then people opposed to such protests and agitations also joined the crowd and raised slogans in favour of the police and the government headed by PM Narendra Modi. The regular media and the social media was also seen divided this time, putting before their respective viewpoints while covering the protests. In nutshell, the protests failed and couldn't achieve anything tangible to show. The top three detained CJP leaders were released by the magistrate only on the production of a peace-bond with the condition that they wouldnt do anything to disturb peace and tranquillity for one year, in addition to surety. In the meantime, the statements, overtures and conduct of the leaders and the prominent activists of all these protests further clarified the intent and the ultimate motives of the organisers of all these protests. While some leaders on the front said that they stand inspired by the Bangladesh events of regime change there and would be thankful to them for showing them the way, others attacked all constitutional institutions and authorities and also talked in terms of revolution, including a bloodbath. People in general ignored the appeals and repeated requests by the organisers from Congress, AAP and CJP to reach Delhi in lakhs to join their planned activities against the CEC and the government. On 12 October 2026, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of Congress, along with a few thousand of their activists, defied the prohibitory orders and marched towards the Supreme Court of India and tried to make the Apex Court a party to their political agitation. The Supreme Court of India last year upheld the decision of the EC to conduct SIR at the national level and also said they have the constitutional sanction to do their duties. On the issue of fresh requests from the opposition for an intervention, the CJI declined a direct meeting with the political delegation, and instead the court asked them to file their appeal with the Court for hearing. This brazen attempt to involve the Apex Court in such a political event was done for the first time in such a manner. The government on the recommendations of the committee set up earlier to the effect cancelled Jantar-Mantar for any future protests and notified three other venues for any sort of protests including the Ramlila Maidan. It was welcomed by most people as it wouldn't cause inconvenience to the general public in future. On 16 October, 2026, the CJP attempted another march at Connaught Place, New Delhi. The government took the attempt very seriously in view of the importance of Connaught Place being the centre of activity, particularly during the festive season. Security personnel locked down Central Park and enforced Section 163 of the BNSS. CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora were taken into preventive custody prior to the event, leading to scattered flop protests and standoffs between the activists and counter-protesters who opposed any such programme in the vicinity. Dipke once again submitted another bond before the magistrate to desist from any activity for one year causing damage to peace and public order. His two other colleagues were put in the police remand for five days for breaking prohibitory orders at Jantar-Mantar by the Special Executive Magistrate. The Congress as a follow-up has asked for permission for a protest rally at Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3, 2026 which the administration in Delhi has granted to them. Some other Andolan-Jeevis have also announced their march scheduled for October 23, 2026. A Sanyukt Kisan Morcha organised Delhi Chalo march is also on cards the same day. For the last 10 years, all these parties, forums and individuals who have been losing the elections consistently and continuously are having only one target in mind. That is to topple a duly elected government at the centre headed by Modi. Their frustration has led them to a situation to speak lies about the SIR conducted by the EC and have further lost their space in the minds of the people. Fake earlier narratives like 'Chowkidar chor hai', 'vote-chori', 'EVM frauds', 'vote chor-gaddi chod' etc have already drawn flak and public has not been convinced with these slogans at all excepting the usual activists of the respective parties. Rahul Gandhi's campaigns, slogans, marches, unauthorised gate-crashings and other such irresponsible behavior in public have also been a cause of bringing further disrepute to the opposition and particularly the Congress. Entry and involvement of foreign elements and funds in such protests and demonstrations against the PM, HM, CEC and the government are an open secret. Rahul Gandhi's pronouncements on different podiums that the real targets are the PM and the HM, and CEC is only a beginning are also stunning. Those who are advocating their cause have also been advocating regime change on the pattern of situations in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and other places where democratically elected governments were thrown through anarchy, violent unrest and foreign intervention. The government and the administration in India seem to have learnt lessons about these anarchists who are hell-bent on trampling the peace and progress of the country. What they are unable to achieve through a democratic process and constitutional means, they want to do it with unfair and unconstitutional ways on the streets and don't feel shy about the way their intent and conduct are causing damage to the country. People have seen through their motives and have also generally kept themselves aloof from such activities and useless agitations. It is time for the Congress, AAP and the INDI-alliance, and also the CJP, to introspect and have a deep evaluation of their flop shows throughout, along with the growing public anger against them. (The author is a senior BJP & KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said nine IPS officers, who were transferred out of Kolkata following the West Bengal assembly election results, have been brought back only after the tragedy struck.
Durga Puja pandals mourn Kolkata tragedy, tighten security
Kolkata Metro services disrupted for around 1 hour due to technical glitch
The disruption came at a time when large numbers of people use the Metro to visit Durga Puja pandals across the city on Maha Ashtami
Bangladesh's Atomic Leap: South Asia's Newest Nuclear Power Project Comes Alive
Located about 250 kilometres from Kolkata, Rooppur is a major development for South Asia. India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has also trained Bangladeshi nuclear engineers, adding an Indian dimension to the project.
No emergency evacuation plan, panic announcement led to stampede
Stampede spurs safety overhaul at Kolkata Durga Puja pandals
Kolkata Cop Held For Molestation
An assistant sub-inspector of Kolkata Police has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 21-year-old woman civic volunteer outside a Durga Puja pandal in south Kolkata. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night, and a video of the alleged act has gone viral.
Kolkata High Court to Hear Case on Vandalism of CPI(M) Book Stalls During Durga Puja
Kolkata High Court will hear a case on the vandalism of CPI(M) book stalls during Durga Puja, with significant political implications. Kolkata High Court to Hear Case on Vandalism of CPI(M) Book Stalls During Durga Puja
Kolkata: Book stalls in Kolkatas Jadavpur area were vandalised by right-wing supporters on Saturday, October 18, during the ongoing Durga pooja celebrations. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation arrived with a bulldozer to remove the stalls, even as residents and students vehemently opposed the move. The struggle to protect the right to knowThe BJP administration in Bengal 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 .
9 IPS Officers With Crowd Control Experience Deployed After Kolkata Stampede
Amid concerns over crowd management, police deployment and allegations of negligence against puja organisers following the tragedy, Kolkata Police issued an 11-point advisory for its personnel to prevent untoward incidents at major Durga Puja pandals.
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
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
Hyderabad man posing as Kolkata woman dupes men, extorts Rs 38L
Hyderabad: The Saidabad Police arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly honey-trapping people by posing as a woman and extorting money, threatening to circulate their private photographs and videos. Kondabhattula Pavan Kumar, a resident of Kukatpally, created fake Facebook and Instagram profiles and used photographs of a woman from Kolkata under the name Chandana. Police said 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 .
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.
'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 .
Indian air ambulance makes emergency landing in Bangladesh; patient dies
The air ambulance, flying from Agartala to Kolkata, made an emergency landing in Dhaka after a mid-air technical fault; the 56-year-old patient later died at a city hospital
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
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?
Sumit Kumar Ghosh, the Officer-in-Charge of Girish Park Police Station, has been removed following a deadly stampede. The tragic event at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal resulted in 19 fatalities during the celebrations. Seven individuals connected to the incident have been remanded to police custody for ten days. Kolkata Police are enhancing security with experienced officers for ongoing Durga Puja festivities.
The News Mill
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
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
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced technology-driven on-board services in five superfast trains to improve cleanliness, hygiene and passenger comfort. The initiative covers the KamakhyaSMVT Bengaluru Express, GuwahatiKolkata Garib Rath Express, DibrugarhMumbai LTT Express and two Vande Bharat Express services. The upgrades include improved coach cleaning, washroom maintenance, digital monitoring, AI-based cleaning assessments and a two-hour target for resolving passenger complaints.
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.
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
Kolkata stampede: Seven accused sent to 10-day police custody
Kolkata: Seven accused individuals in the Durga Pandal stampede in Kolkata were arrested on Sunday, October 18, and sent to 10-day police custody. Those arrested include puja committee secretary Raj Kumar, its vice president Santanu Dubey, bamboo structure builder Biplab Mukherjee, crowd managers Koushik Saha and Pintu Dey, and private security heads Suman Chakraborty and 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 .
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.
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.
The major news headlines of the day and more
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
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.
'Pandal Is Collapsing': On Camera, Kolkata Puja Crowd Scrambles, Then An Announcement
People inside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal were hesitant to exit as it started raining, while those outside the entry gates grew impatient, videos show.
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 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
The News Mill
Bodies of Kolkata Pandal Stampede Victims Handed Over to Families
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be constituted soon to probe the incident, adding that six people had been arrested in connection with the case
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
Kalyan Banerjee alleges maladministration in Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede
The News Mill
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.
Bodies of 19 Durga Puja stampede victims handed to families in Kolkata
The News Mill
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...
