9 electrocuted in record rain in Kolkata, blame game erupts ahead of Durga Puja

Unprecedented overnight rainfall in Kolkata resulted in severe waterlogging across the city, leading to nine reported deaths from electrocution. The downpour exposed crumbling urban infrastructure, disrupting daily life by halting traffic, metro, and railway services, and causing flight cancellations. In response, schools were ordered shut till September 25th. A political blame game has commenced, with the Mamata Banerjee government directing responsibility towards the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC), a private entity. The government has indicated that the CESC "should give compensation to the families of those who have died." This situation unfolds just ahead of the Durga Puja festival, with the IMD forecasting more rain.