KOLKATA: Seven individuals, including key members of the organising committee, have been arrested in connection with a tragic stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17, which left at least 19 people dead and around 25 others injured.
The incident occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal at approximately 7:40 PM amid heavy rain and massive crowds. Initial reports suggested that a section of the temporary structure collapsed under immense crowd pressure.
Following the mishap, an official case was registered, and nearly a dozen people were initially detained for questioning.
“Our officers are talking to them to find out the cause that led to today’s mishap. If any lapses are found, we will act as per the law,” a senior police officer stated.
Seven individuals were subsequently placed under formal arrest as the investigation progressed.
Those injured in the stampede were rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for emergency medical treatment. Police, fire brigade personnel, and disaster management teams were swiftly deployed to the site, and the pandal was closed off to visitors. According to the Kolkata Police, the stampede took place near the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal within the jurisdiction of the Girish Park police station, as devotees gathered in large numbers despite adverse weather conditions.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jayanta Banerjee, general secretary of the Chorbagan Durga Puja Committee, resigned from his post. All other office-bearers of the committee also confirmed their resignations.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Umesh Rai announced that all state government programmes scheduled for Sunday, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pre-scheduled meetings, have been cancelled.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com