Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 17: Several people were injured in a stampede-like situation at a community Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday after a large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the idols.

No casualties had been reported from the incident at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street in North Kolkata at the time of filing this report.

According to the latest available information, at least 15 injured persons were admitted to the nearby Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, with a few of them reported to be in critical condition.

Tension broke out among visitors after a portion of the pandal's exit gate structure collapsed. There are fears that the number of injured could rise following the incident.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, accompanied by the BJP state president and the party's Rajya Sabha members, visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to enquire about the condition of those admitted.

The Chief Minister directed hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

Kolkata Police personnel, along with teams from the State Disaster Management and Fire Services departments, rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

The Puja organisers halted entry to the pandal premises and switched off the lights following the incident.

“It is not clear as of now how this incident happened. For now, our emphasis is on rescue work, and our primary task is to take the injured to the hospital. Police personnel, along with teams from the State Fire Services and State Disaster Management Department, are on the spot. It is not clear whether the victims were trampled under crowd pressure or not,” Puja organiser Bikash Das told media persons.