A stampede during a festival in Kolkata, the capital of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, has killed 17 people and injured 25 others.

West Bengal's Chief Minister Adhikari confirmed the toll of 17 dead and 25 injured, according to the Indian news agency.

Indian media reported that the victims included 13 women and one child. They said the crush was caused by severe overcrowding after a large crowd of participants tried to move into an enclosed area to shelter from heavy rain that fell during the festival.