Kolkata Police Investigates Deadly Stampede at Durga Puja Pandal
Kolkata polices special investigation team questions artists and witnesses following a tragic stampede that claimed 19 lives during Durga Puja.
Kolkata, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata police’s special investigation team (SIT) is probing the tragic stampede that occurred on October 17 at the Chorabagan Durga Puja pandal, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals. As part of their investigation, the SIT has summoned artist Sushant Sibani Paul, who designed the pandal’s theme, to appear for questioning on October 28.
The team is also reaching out to three eyewitnesses to gather their accounts. Investigators aim to uncover the causes behind the deadly chaos. Led by an assistant commissioner from the city’s detective department, the SIT is examining the pandal’s design, crowd movement, and the circumstances that led to the panic among devotees.
A police official stated, “Sushant Sibani Paul has been asked to report to our headquarters in Lalbazar by October 28. The investigators want to understand the design of the pandal and assess whether there were any flaws in its layout that could have restricted space for the large crowd.”
According to the official, interviewing the eyewitnesses will help clarify the conditions inside the pandal just before the stampede. This information is crucial to determining what triggered the panic that caused people to rush toward the exits.
Initial findings suggest that a misleading announcement contributed significantly to the chaos. The incident unfolded during heavy rainfall, creating confusion as devotees both inside and outside the pandal struggled to navigate the situation. While many inside were reluctant to leave due to the weather, those waiting outside attempted to enter.
In the midst of this confusion, an announcement claimed that the pandal had collapsed, urging people to evacuate immediately. This declaration incited panic among the attendees.
As a result, individuals surged toward the exits, leading to the tragic stampede. In addition to the fatalities, many others sustained injuries. Investigators are now scrutinizing the sequence of events and the alleged roles of the organizers in the incident.
A police officer revealed that two individuals have already been arrested on suspicion of making the misleading announcement. By questioning the eyewitnesses, investigators hope to establish whether there is evidence linking the announcement to the ensuing panic and stampede.
