Kolkata: Kolkata Police have arrested seven persons in connection with the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives and left 25 injured. Those arrested include office-bearers of the puja committee, persons involved in crowd management and private security personnel.
The arrested have been identified as Raj Kumar Sewda alias Raja (48), secretary of the puja committee; Santanu Dubey (55), its vice-president; and Biplab Mukherjee alias Joy (48), who was engaged in constructing a bamboo structure at the venue.
Koushik Saha (53), who was involved in crowd management and checking VIP passes, and Pintu Dey (51), who was engaged in crowd management, have also been arrested. Private security in-charges Suman Chakraborty (30) and Rajesh Pal (29) are the other two arrested persons, according to reports.
A suo motu case has been registered at Girish Park police station under Sections 105, 110 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the organisers and others. Police said the process of identifying the bodies was under way.
A senior police officer said the seven arrested persons were among the 14 initially detained, and that the process of identifying the bodies was under way. The case has been registered at Girish Park police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Curbs Imposed
The prohibitory order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand, will remain in force from October 18 to 20 or until further directions. It covers the Bowbazar police station area, bounded by College Street, Chittaranjan Avenue, Collotola Street and Eden Hospital Road, as reported by the Statesman.
The order bars unlawful assemblies of five or more persons, carrying of lathis or dangerous weapons, and any activity that may disturb peace or public order. Police said the curbs were necessary amid apprehensions that protests, rallies or fresh gatherings could follow the tragedy.
A forensic team visited Muktarambabu Street on Sunday, where the stampede occurred, as investigators began piecing together the events leading to the crush. Closed-circuit television footage from the area is being examined to detect possible failures in crowd management, as reported by The Statesman.
CM Orders SIT Probe
The incident took place on Saturday evening when thousands of devotees had gathered at the Chorbagan pandal for Durga Puja. Preliminary information suggests that heavy rain and a sudden rush of visitors towards the venue may have contributed to the deadly crush.
Questions have also been raised over narrow access routes, security arrangements and announcements made to visitors. Investigators are examining these aspects to establish the exact sequence of events and ascertain whether negligence played a role in the deaths.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a Special Investigation Team probe into the incident. Personnel from the Special Task Force, the Criminal Investigation Department and other agencies are expected to be part of the investigation.
Adhikari also said he would approach the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court regarding the participation of a sitting judge in the inquiry.
Safety Tightened At Pandals
The tragedy has led authorities to review security arrangements at major Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal. Organisers have been asked to focus on entry and exit routes, lighting, movement of crowds and coordination with police and emergency services.
The state government has cancelled its participation in official festive programmes for the next few days, although religious observances will continue.
Political Leaders Condole Deaths
DeathsCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences and sought medical assistance, compensation and a thorough probe. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the deaths.
An emergency helpline—1800 345 5678—has been activated for those seeking assistance in the wake of the tragedy.
