Crush at religious festival kills at least 17 and injures dozens in India

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Saturday, 17 October 2026 21:43

At least 17 people have died and dozens more are injured after a crush at a religious festival in India, local media reports.

The incident occurred at the exit gate in Kolkata's Girish Park area during Durga Puja, a multi-day annual Hindu festival in the state of ⁠West Bengal.

During the celebrations, huge crowds gather around temporary structures known as pandals which house idols of the goddess Durga.

Heavy rain resulted in overcrowding in Kolkata, as significant numbers ⁠of worshippers tried to leave the venue.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced a compensation scheme for the victims on X.

He said the West Bengal government is "providing all possible help to the affected families".

The families of those who died will receive 200,000 rupees (£1,583), while the injured will be given 50,000 rupees (£395) each.

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India's president Droupadi Murmu called the deaths "extremely heartbreaking" in a statement posted on X and expressed her "deepest condolences to all the bereaved families".

Durga Puja is typically held for 10 days in the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, Ashvin.

It is a special offering festival which celebrates Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura.

Sky News