The police have arrested seven people associated with the puja committee and security arrangements. Kolkata: The city has tightened security around Durga Puja celebrations after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin pandal that killed 19 people and injured 25 others on Saturday (October 17) night.
Seven arrested after 14 people detained
The state government has announced compensation for the victims’ families and medical support for the injured. He also announced plans for a special investigation team to examine the case. The incident took place on Muktaram Babu Street in north Kolkata during heavy rain. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. The police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the crowd surge. The order prohibits unlawful gatherings of five or more people, the carrying of lathis and dangerous weapons and activities likely to disturb public peace. The restrictions follow the deadly incident at Chorbagan and the administration’s efforts to prevent further crowd-related emergencies. The police have also advised several heavily crowded puja organisers to shut their pandals temporarily. The Chorbagan pandal itself has been closed. The incident has led puja organisers to review entry and exit routes, lighting, security staff and crowd-management plans. Chief Minister Adhikari urged committees across West Bengal to follow police and fire department instructions and ensure adequate lighting, clear entry and exit points and proper security.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 17 people died at the site, while two others later succumbed to their injuries. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of the Bowbazar area from October 18 to October 20.
Twenty-four of them are out of danger, according to the chief minister, while one person is in a critical condition. Adhikari expressed grief over the deaths and said the government would investigate the incident.
