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Chorbagan Puja Stampede Controversy: TMC Questions Best Puja Award After 19 Deaths
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News18•19-10-2026, 19:43
Chorbagan Puja Stampede Controversy: TMC Questions Best Puja Award After 19 Deaths
- •A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal resulted in 19 deaths and 25 injuries.
- •Despite the disaster, the pandal received multiple top honors including the Serar Sera-3 award for best Durga Puja 2026.
- •The Trinamool Congress questioned the awards, asking if showmanship and decoration were prioritized over public safety.
- •Local residents cited sudden rain, a narrow lane, and inadequate police deployment as major reasons for the deadly crowd surge.
- •A high-level security review committee has visited major puja sites in Kolkata following the tragic incident.
Key Questions Answered
A tragic stampede broke out on Saturday evening at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal due to sudden rain, a narrow lane, a massive influx of visitors, and a rush after announcements that caused panic.
The Trinamool Congress questioned how the pandal received the 'Serar Sera-3' award and honors for best lighting and design when the Chief Minister had previously blamed its theme and low lighting for visitor difficulties, raising concerns that showmanship was prioritized over public safety.
Kolkata Police registered suo motu cases on charges including attempt to commit culpable homicide, and a high-level review committee was formed to inspect safety and crowd control arrangements across major puja pandals in the city.
