A SON’S HELPLESS WITNESS TO DEATH: CHORBAGAN STAMPEDE TURNS DURGA PUJA INTO A FAMILY’S WORST NIGHTMARE

October 18, 2026

KOLKATA, OCTOBER 18: The deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata has left behind devastating personal tragedies, including the heartbreaking account of a son who watched his mother die before his eyes amid the chaos.

Recalling the horrifying moments, the bereaved son described his helplessness as the sudden crowd surge engulfed visitors at the pandal. His account captures the human cost of the disaster, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured during one of Bengal’s most important religious festivals.

The stampede reportedly unfolded amid heavy rainfall and a rush of visitors, triggering panic in the congested area. As people struggled to move through the crowd, the situation turned catastrophic, leaving families separated and visitors trapped in the crush.

The tragedy has intensified questions about crowd management, the adequacy of entry and exit routes, and the preparedness of organisers to handle large gatherings. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while alleged lapses in safety arrangements have come under scrutiny.

Beyond the investigation and official responses, the son’s account reflects the profound grief experienced by families whose festive visit ended in irreversible loss. For the bereaved, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate tragedy, leaving them to confront the sudden absence of loved ones and the painful memories of their final moments.