Kolkata Stampede: Bengal CM Meets 5 Bereaved Families To Hand Over Ex gratia; Slams Opposition
Questioning the opposition's absence from the site of the tragedy or hospitals, Adhikari criticised the previous TMC government, alleging that festivities had continued despite loss of life under his predecessor Mamata Banerjee's rule
West Bengal CM meets families of deceased in Kolkata puja pandal stampede
Suvendu Adhikari hands over a cheque of 25 lakh to relatives and assures government job for one person in every family
West Bengal CM meets families of deceased in Kolkata puja pandal stampede
Suvendu Adhikari hands over a cheque of 25 lakh to relatives and assures government job for one person in every family
Three Christian families harassed, forced to convert in Bengal
Kolkata: Three Christian families were allegedly intimidated and forced to change their religion and give up Christianity by Bajrang Dal workers on Tuesday, October 20, in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. They said the harassment began on October 18 and lasted through October 20. On October 19, the victims were also made to 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 .
West Bengal High Court Dismisses CPI(M) Petition Over Durga Puja Bookstall Vandalism
The Kolkata High Court has rejected CPI(M)s plea for compensation related to vandalism at their bookstalls during Durga Puja. West Bengal High Court Dismisses CPI(M) Petition Over Durga Puja Bookstall Vandalism
Chhattisgarhs Ramnami community gains recognition through its centuries-old tradition of inscribing Rams name on skin, inspiring a documentary and Kolkatas Durga Puja theme.
Calcutta HC says inquiry commission headed by retired judge be appointed into Chorbagan stampede
A division Bench led by Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge said a sitting judge cannot head the inquiry per a Supreme Court directive, rejecting the State governments proposal
Kolkata stampede: Police launch hunt for rumour-monger
Kolkata Police are investigating a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 and injured 25. They are searching for a person who allegedly made a false announcement about the pandal collapsing, which may have caused panic. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and examining why the exit was congested while entry remained open.
Watch: Suvendu Adhikari gives 25 lakh ex gratia to Kolkata Durga Puja stampede victims family
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Togor Bej and her son Sandip Bej, who died in the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, and handed over 25 lakh as ex gratia. The stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed 19 people and injured 25 others.
Man beheads wife, kills father in West Bengal; severed head placed at temple
Young man found dead near temple in Bengal's Kanksa, probe underway
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 20 (IANS) A 33-year-old man was found dead in a forest near the Shyampura temple in West Bengal's Burdwan district on Tuesday morning, police said, adding that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death. According to the police, the man identified as Laxmi Ram Mandi was wearing a red dhoti and a white shirt when his body was recovered. A red cloth was wrapped around his neck. The body was hanging from a tree with knees bent. His feet were on the ground. He was a resident of Dangal area of Bankati gram panchayat in Kanksa. An official of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate said, Whether this is an extreme measure or death due to some other reason will be ascertained only after the autopsy. We are conducting a full investigation into the incident. According to local residents, Laxmi Ram Mandi suddenly disappeared on Monday evening. The family members became suspicious when he did not return home till late at night. A search was started for him in nearby areas, including the homes of people known to him. Despite searching, he was not found. On Tuesday morning, local residents found a young man hanging in the forest adjacent to Shyamrupa temple. When they went near and saw the body, they identified him. The Malandighi police outpost in Kanksa was informed. On receiving the information, the police reached the spot and recovered the body. Later, the body was sent to Durgapur Sub-district Hospital for autopsy. According to the police, an investigation has been launched into the incident to ascertain the cause of death. People living in the area are still in a state of panic and are eager to know who is behind this tragic incident.
Kolkata Police search for person who spread rumour before Durga Puja pandal stampede
Kolkata Police are currently searching for an individual responsible for misleading attendees during the Durga Puja event. An announcement of a collapsing pandal is believed to have incited panic among the crowd. This resulted in a stampede that caused 19 fatalities and left 25 people injured. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the incident.
Durga Puja celebrations: Sourav Ganguly takes actor Rajkummar Rao Pandal hopping in Kolkata
Rajkummar Rao, Sourav Ganguly and producer Ankur Garg visited pandals at Maddox Square and Allen Park in Kolkata. The Maha Ashtami outing on October 19 began with prayers at the Ganguly family's Puja. Rao said he was delighted to be in Kolkata during the festival and spoke warmly about the city and its people, PTI reported.
Kolkata stampede: Man arrested over misleading social media post
Ainul Haque, a West Bengal resident, has been arrested for allegedly claiming that 60 people died in the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, against the reported toll of 19. Investigators are probing the post and suspected Bangladesh links
Todays Gold Rate in India October 20: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 20
During inspections, officials also stressed the need for adequate lighting and ventilation inside pandals to prevent dark spots, ensure visibility and facilitate crowd management
Kolkata stampede: CM visits family of two deceased in Purba Bardhaman, hands over 25 lakh ex-gratia
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari spoke to the family members of Togor Bej (37) and Sandip Bej (14) and assured them of providing all possible assistance.
Bengal Govt Deploys Doctors At Five Major Kolkata Puja Pandals After Stampede
Leaves of doctors, health workers and all administrative officials have been cancelled. IAS officers on leave have been asked to rejoin duty immediately.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 20 (IANS) Ainul Haque, a resident of Cooch Behar district in West Bengal, who has been arrested on charges of making a misleading social media post about the number of people killed in the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin community Durga Puja pandal on the night of October 17, might have Bangladeshi links, suspect Investigating Officials in the matter. While the number of people killed in the stampede was 19, Ainul Haque had claimed that the number was higher, in a social media post. An insider from the state police said that some specific clues hinting towards Bangladeshi links of the arrested youth had already been procured by the sleuths of the Special Task Force (STF) probing the matter and the Investigating Officers are digging the matter further to procure further clues in this regard. The Investigating Officers are now interrogating him and trying to extract his exact intention behind making such a misleading post regarding that tragedy of such a magnitude. Haque had been accused of sharing an old video of a similar mishap anywhere else and also claiming that not 19 but 60 people have been killed in the stampede on Saturday night. The Investigating Officers in the matter doubt that the video that he shared on social media might be related to an incident in Bangladesh. He had been charged under the Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 which penalises making, publishing, or circulating false statements or reports that are likely to create enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different groups. Meanwhile, while speaking to media persons on Tuesday morning, the state panchayat affairs and rural development minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s former national vice-president, Dilip Ghosh said that he, too, had doubts of some foreign links of the arrested individual. Such people are causing trouble everywhere and trying to disrupt peace. Some of them are agents of Bangladesh while some are agents of Nepal. They are plotting unrest in India. Besides, money has been flowing into West Bengal through them for a long time. It is still flowing in. However, the administration is keeping an eye on everything. No one will be spared. Anyone who is involved in wrongdoing will be punished, said Ghosh. The sleuths of the cybercrime division of the Kolkata Police have already started tracking attempts of spreading through social media misinformation about the stampede tragedy and have cautioned the general public to refrain from spreading misinformation about the tragedy through social media or even share any post made in the matter without cross-verification.
Major Fire Devastates Shops in Kolkata Market, No Casualties Reported
A significant fire in a Kolkata market destroyed multiple shops, but fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Major Fire Devastates Shops in Kolkata Market, No Casualties Reported
Rajkummar Rao, Ankur Garg celebrate Mahashtami with Sourav Ganguly ahead of Dada biopic
Actor Rajkummar Rao and producer Ankur Garg visited former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly at his residence in Kolkata during Mahashtami celebrations amid Durga Puja. The visit also saw the trio explore some of the citys popular pandals, including Maddox Square and Allen Park. Ganguly hosted Rao and Garg at his familys Durga Puja celebrations, where they exchanged festive greetings and sought blessings. They later visited the pandals to experience the festivities and offer prayers. The visit comes as Rao prepares to portray Ganguly in the upcoming biographical film Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story. The interaction in Kolkata brings the actor and the former cricketer together ahead of the films release. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luv Films (@luv_films) Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under Luv Films. It is presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, T-Series and DBL. Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on May 14, 2027. Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Sourav Ganguly opens up about hosting Bigg Boss Bangla Season 3; says Getting to host after a decade makes this experience even more exciting
19 Deaths Raise Questions Over Durga Puja Crowd Management In Kolkata
The tragedy has also sparked concerns over possible lapses in coordination between the administration and the puja organisers at Chorbagan, one of the city's popular Durga Puja venues.
27 Fake Profiles, Intimate Pics: Hyderabad Man Extorts Rs 25 Lakh From 82 Men
According to police, the accused allegedly created 13 fake Instagram accounts and 14 fake Facebook accounts, primarily using photographs of a woman from Kolkata.
Preliminary post-mortem reports have revealed that chest compression, suffocation and severe internal injuries contributed to the deaths of 19 people in the Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede. The initial findings shed light on what happened to the victims at the Chorbagan
After Kolkata stampede kills 19, doctors to be deployed at five major Durga Puja pandals
The West Bengal Health Department has stepped up preparations for the remaining days of Durga Puja after a stampede in north Kolkata killed 19 people and injured 25 others. Doctors and medical teams will be stationed at five major pandalsin the city to ensure prompt treatment if another emergency occurs.
Kashmir Golf Club holds AGM after 14-year gap
Srinagar, Oct 19:The Kashmir Golf Club held its 26th annual general meeting (AGM) and elections on Monday after a gap of 14 years, with the exercise aimed at restoring the historic club to its former glory and putting an elected executive body in place to manage its affairs. Haris Handoo, Secretary of the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) and Administrator of the Kashmir Golf Club (KGC), said the clubs previous AGM was held in 2012. Since the elected government took office in 2024, it was decided that an elected body should be put in place, Handoo said. The election is being held to elect four members to the clubs 10-member executive committee. Five members will be nominated by the clubs president, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while the Chief Secretary will head the committee. Handoo said the formation of the executive body would enable club members to prioritise development works, improve maintenance and upgrade facilities at the historic venue. Kashmir Golf Club needs to be restored to its pristine glory. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in India, second only to Kolkata, he said, adding that the focus would be on improving the turf and other club facilities. The government has already sanctioned Rs 2 crore under the CAPEX budget for the construction of a new club building, Handoo said. The club has 525 permanent members, and officials were expecting around 60 per cent voter turnout. Voting and the announcement of results were scheduled for the same day. Handoo, who was assigned the additional charge of KGC administrator, said the election was being conducted under the control and supervision of the government, with senior member Justice Muzaffar Jaan appointed as the returning officer. He expressed hope that the club could regain its former standing within a year, with an elected body taking responsibility for identifying priorities and overseeing its functioning. Once the reins are handed over to the members themselves, they will be able to decide the priority works and how the club should be maintained, he said. Handoo added that golfing activities at KGC had diminished since the establishment of the Royal Springs Golf Course. The club recently hosted a caddies tournament, and efforts would be made to revive its independent golfing activities and organise more tournaments. He said the aim was to ensure that the historic club continued to live up to its reputation and function as an active golfing venue. Following the conclusion of elections, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani felicitated the newly elected members of the Executive Committee of Kashmir Golf Club (KGC) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Chief Minister, president of the Club, had nominated Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani to preside over the Annual General Meeting of the Kashmir Golf Club. Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Shah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo who is the chairman of the Executive Committee and other club members were present on the occasion. Congratulating the newly elected members, the Advisor described Kashmir Golf Club as a prestigious institution with a distinguished place in the history of golf in the country. He noted that the elections, held after a gap of 14 years, marked an important step towards strengthening the clubs administration and restoring its facilities. The Advisor also announced that funds amounting to Rs 2 crore have been earmarked for rebuilding the clubhouse.
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.
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 .
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
The News Mill
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
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 .
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?
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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
