Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal show turns chaotic: Crowd panic, visitors faint

A stampede-like situation broke out on Thursday evening at Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal’s musical event at Baliyatra ground in Cuttack, Odisha, leaving at least three visitors fainting.

The incident occurred near barricades separating the stage from the audience, where a large crowd had gathered to see the Bollywood playback singer. Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd grew restless even before the concert began.

Visitors faint, rushed to hospital

In the chaos, two people, including a woman, fainted. They were treated at the venue’s medical centre before being transferred to a nearby hospital, though no serious injuries or fatalities were reported.

Police intervene

Reports said the sudden surge of people caused disorder, prompting police to use a mild lathi charge to control the crowd.

“There was no such unpleasant situation. It is true that there was a huge crowd, but we managed it properly. One person sustained a minor injury and is stable,” Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh told PTI.

Senior police officials, including the Additional Commissioner of Police, rushed to the scene to manage the crowd and ensure attendees dispersed safely.

Crowd control overwhelmed

The incident took place on the final evening of the nine-day Bali Yatra festival, which ran from November 5 to 13. The festival featured cultural programmes, trade stalls, and celebrity appearances, drawing thousands to celebrate Odisha’s seafaring heritage through the symbolic "Boita Bandana" ritual.

Eyewitnesses said crowd control arrangements were overwhelmed as attendees pressed against the barricades to get a better view of the stage. The resulting panic and lack of air caused several people to faint.

Earlier on the day of the concert, Shreya Ghoshal shared a post on X, along with a selfie, saying: “On my way to Cuttack for a show today but also excited about what’s coming in two days. Let’s kill some time until soundcheck. AMA?”