Stampede-Like Crowd Surge at Shreya Ghoshal Concert in Cuttack; Two Faint, One Injured

A crowd surge near the stage at Shreya Ghoshal’s concert during the Bali Jatra festival caused a stampede-like situation, leaving two people unconscious and one with minor injuries. Police intervened with mild lathi-charge.

CUTTACK, 13 November 2025 – A massive crowd surge at Shreya Ghoshal’s concert during the Bali Jatra festival created panic when thousands pushed toward the stage, leading to a stampede-like situation. The rush caused two attendees to faint, including a woman who lost consciousness near the barricades. Another person suffered minor injuries. The incident unfolded shortly after the singer arrived on stage, drawing an overwhelming response from fans who moved forward in large groups, putting pressure on the barricades set up to control the crowd.

Eyewitnesses said the crowd had been increasing for hours before the concert began, and the moment Shreya appeared, the front section became dangerously packed. Medical teams and emergency staff at the venue responded quickly, giving first aid and shifting the unconscious fans to a nearby hospital. Police officials said the injuries were not severe, but the situation exposed clear gaps in crowd management for a festival of this scale.

When the surge intensified, police and security personnel stepped in to restore order. Officers issued repeated warnings through the public-address system, but the pressure near the barricades continued, and a mild lathicharge was used to disperse the tightly packed group. The performance was paused briefly until the area stabilised and officials ensured it was safe to continue. After controlling the chaos, the concert resumed, and the remaining audience enjoyed the show without further disturbance.

The Bali Jatra festival routinely attracts huge footfall, but this year’s Shreya Ghoshal concert drew far more people than expected. The crowd included festival visitors, music fans and families, stretching the venue’s security arrangements. Several attendees raised concerns over insufficient barricade spacing, fewer entry-exit points and lack of dedicated zones for crowd movement near the stage. Event organisers are now facing questions about whether the infrastructure and manpower deployed for crowd control were adequate for a high-profile performance.

Police officials clarified later that no major injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted how quickly large gatherings can turn dangerous when excitement and tight spaces collide. Authorities are expected to review the festival’s safety plan, reassess layout design, and increase the number of personnel for events expected to draw massive turnout. Crowd safety experts say organisers must plan for surge risks, especially in areas where fans tend to push forward for visibility.

For many who attended, the incident shook what was meant to be a significant cultural event. Shreya Ghoshal, who earlier expressed excitement about performing at the festival, continued with the show after normalcy returned and thanked the crowd for their support. Despite the disruption, the evening eventually concluded without further trouble. Still, conversations around the incident are intensifying online, with many urging stricter event protocols and better-managed spaces for concerts held in open festival grounds.

The crowd surge serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with large entertainment events and the importance of structured, well-coordinated safety planning. Authorities are likely to take stronger measures at upcoming Bali Jatra events to avoid similar risks and ensure safe experiences for attendees.

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