Stories
Tragic Stampede at Chorbagan Claims Life of Secondary Student Akriti
- •Secondary examinee Akriti Raut tragically lost her life due to a stampede while visiting the famous Chorbagan puja pandal in North Kolkata on Mahasaptami evening.
- •Despite carrying VIP passes, Akriti and her family were overwhelmed by heavy pushing and shoving in the massive crowd.
- •The victim, a resident of Bally Anandnagar in Howrah, had gone out with her sisters and relatives, including some visiting from Gaya for the first time.
- •The incident has cast a shadow of deep grief over the family and locality, prompting calls for heightened vigilance at all puja pandals.
Key Questions Answered
The fatal stampede occurred during Mahasaptami on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, when heavy rain, sudden overcrowding, pushing, and rushing near the narrow exit routes caused extreme chaos and a crowd collapse at the Chorbagan puja pandal.
The West Bengal state government announced an ex-gratia financial assistance of 25 lakh rupees and a government job for one family member of each deceased person, along with 5 lakh rupees and medical expenses for the injured. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced relief funds from the PMNRF.
The tragedy claimed the lives of several visitors, including Madhyamik examinee Akriti Raut from Bally Anandnagar, 45-year-old Arati Sarkar Biswas from Chakdaha, and a mother and son, Tagor Bej and Sandip Bej, from Purba Bardhaman.
