At least 19 people died, and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening. The causes of the incident are currently under investigation, with factors such as a sudden surge in the crowd, heavy rain, and alleged confusion regarding announcements and entry/exit routes being examined.
The incident occurred around 7:15 PM on the day of Maha Saptami. A large number of people were waiting in the narrow Radha Madhav Saha Lane to enter the pandal. It is reported that heavy rain began to fall, prompting the crowd to surge forward suddenly. Those already inside became trapped in the ensuing chaos.
The path became blocked by people at the front, preventing those behind from moving toward an exit. It is alleged that several people fell down the stairs near an exit point and were trampled by the crowd pushing from behind.
According to a CM (Chief Minister’s) official, a misleading announcement made by the Puja committee may have further exacerbated the confusion. Additionally, the blowing of whistles by private security guards might have also contributed to the panic among the crowd.
Questions regarding crowd management and safety
A senior Kolkata Police official told PTI that they are investigating whether lapses in crowd management, confusion over entry and exit routes, and heavy rain were the causes of this tragedy. Eyewitnesses allege that the announcements regarding entry, exit, and the movement of the crowd were unclear, which led to confusion during peak hours.
Residents have also raised questions regarding the police deployment at the scene. They claim that police personnel were stationed primarily near the VIP entrance.
Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a resident of Chorbagan, told PTI, “There was no adequate police presence this year. This is what led to the mismanagement.” Locals also raised another concern: the administration provided no assistance in transporting the injured to the hospital.
A police officer told PTI, “There were certainly some shortcomings, but these must be investigated. It will be determined whether there was any lapse on the part of the organizers, or if they violated regulations while constructing the pandal.”
Late Saturday night, a forensic team visited the site and collected evidence. The police are questioning the organizers and examining CCTV footage. Additionally, information is being sought regarding the security guards and other staff deployed for crowd control. As part of the investigation, officials who were stationed at the venue will also be questioned.
The state has ordered a safety review of the pandals
An official who visited the injured at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital stated that this incident has raised concerns regarding security arrangements at crowded Durga Puja venues. According to hospital sources, 11 of the injured have been shifted to SSKM Hospital. A source at the medical college indicated that the deceased include 13 women and one child.
The Chief Minister has announced the formation of a high-level committee to inspect major pandals across West Bengal and review crowd management, exit routes, lighting, and structural safety. The committee will include Rajesh Sinha, Principal Secretary of Disaster Management; Anuj Sharma, Director General of Fire Services; and Javed Shamim, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).
The official urged the organisers to adhere to the official safety guidelines. They warned against creating complex themes that could compromise public safety. They also advised ensuring wide exit paths, providing better lighting, and removing obstacles, such as temporary enclosures made of ropes, which could impede movement. In cases where elaborate structures hinder the flow of people, organisers could be advised to restrict rituals to the main sanctum sanctorum and use LED screens outside.
The state government has announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the family of each deceased person, along with a government job under the ‘Group D’ category.
A toll-free helpline number, 18003455678, has also been set up to assist those seeking information regarding the affected individuals.
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