WB CM Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced that Kolkata Police had detained organisers of the Chorbagan Durga Puja and private security personnel following the deadly stampede like tragedy. He also said, a fact-finding inquiry and forensic examinations are expected to establish what happened at the north Kolkata venue.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Police detained Chorbagan Durga Puja organisers and private security personnel following the tragedy that killed 17 people and injured 25.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a fact-finding inquiry and forensic examinations to establish the circumstances behind the incident.
- Adhikari urged puja committees to coordinate with police, maintain clear exit routes and improve lighting inside pandals to strengthen public safety.
Kolkata Police have detained the organisers of the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja and private security personnel following the tragedy at the north Kolkata pandal that claimed 17 lives and left 25 people injured.
| Earlier report: Chorbagan Durga Puja Stampede in Kolkata: At Least 17 Feared Dead |
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the detentions on Saturday. He also confirmed that a fact-finding team would investigate the incident. Besides, a forensic examinations would help establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Chief Minister urged media representatives and political leaders not to interfere with evidence. He said the state government would prioritise medical treatment for the injured and support for the families who lost their loved ones.
Fact-Finding Team to Investigate Incident
Adhikari said the fact-finding team would examine what happened at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street in North Kolkata.
The announced inquiry will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Forensic examinations will also form part of the process.
The Chief Minister appealed to the media and political leaders to refrain from tampering with evidence while the investigation proceeds.
The detentions mark a significant development in the immediate response to the tragedy.
However, the precise circumstances that led to the incident remain to be established through the investigation.
Chief Minister Prioritises Victims and Families
Adhikari said that the state government’s immediate responsibility was to stand beside the families of those who died and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
The incident claimed 17 lives and left 25 people injured after a large crowd gathered inside the community puja pandal to catch a glimpse of the Durga idols.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to support those affected by the tragedy. His statement placed medical care and assistance to bereaved families at the centre of the government’s immediate response.
Puja Committees Asked to Improve Safety
Alongside the investigation, Adhikari urged Durga Puja committees across the state to coordinate with the police and review their safety arrangements.
He specifically called for attention to exit routes at pandals, highlighting the importance of ensuring that devotees can leave crowded venues safely.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about inadequate lighting inside some pandals during the festivities. He assured the public that the government would work to ensure everyone’s safety.
His appeal underscored the need for organisers to work closely with the police and pay greater attention to crowd management and basic safety arrangements.
Chorbagan Pandal Tragedy Claims 17 Lives
The incident occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal on Muktarambabu Street in north Kolkata.
A large crowd had gathered inside the premises to catch a glimpse of the idols when a stampede-like situation unfolded. The incident left 17 people dead and 25 others injured.
The tragedy has brought the organisers’ responsibilities and the safety arrangements at the venue into focus. The announced inquiry and forensic examinations are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Om Birla, Nitin Nabin Express Condolences
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed grief over the deaths and injuries, describing the incident as heartbreaking. He prayed for peace for the deceased and a speedy recovery for those injured.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin also conveyed his sorrow over the loss of lives at the Chorbagan public puja pandal.
Nabin said the administration was extending all possible assistance to those affected. He prayed to Maa Durga to grant peace to the deceased, ensure the speedy recovery of the injured and give strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
As the state responds to the tragedy, the immediate focus remains on supporting the affected families and injured devotees. The announced inquiry seeks to establish what happened at the pandal.
Adhikari’s appeal to puja committees has also highlighted the importance of police coordination, clear exit routes and adequate lighting at crowded festival venues. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)