At least 17 killed in stampede at Hindu festival in eastern India

At least 17 people were killed in a stampede at a religious festival in north Kolkata, in India’s West Bengal state, officials said, according to Anadolu Agency.

The incident occurred at a Durga Puja pandal, a temporary pavilion that houses idols of the goddess Durga.

A police statement said the stampede happened in the evening amid heavy crowds of festivalgoers and rainfall. All those injured were rescued and taken to hospital.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 25 people were injured in addition to those killed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the stampede as “saddening” in a post on “X”.

“Condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The West Bengal Government is providing all possible help to the affected families,” Modi wrote.

Interior Minister Amit Shah said on “X” that the administration was ensuring injured people received all possible medical facilities.