Women blocked exit fearing rain, triggered Kolkata stampede: Police

Women at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata congested the exit gate to protect their attire from rain, causing jostling that led to a stampede killing 19, police said. The probe focused on crowd management lapses, shortage of women volunteers, and coordination delays. Nine people were arrested, two for spreading panic about the pandal collapsing.