Special Investigation Team Formed to Probe Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede

Kolkata, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The West Bengal government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the stampede that occurred near the Chorabagan public Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on October 17. This decision was made in consultation with the Calcutta High Court. The SIT is tasked with uncovering the causes of the incident, examining potential negligence, and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The team must submit its report to the government within three months of its formation.

According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal on October 21, retired judge Anindita Roy Saraswati will lead the SIT. Other members will include the principal secretary of the state’s disaster management and civil defense department, the police chief of the Special Task Force, and representatives from the West Bengal police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) based in Kolkata.

The SIT has been assigned the responsibility of determining the circumstances that led to the stampede at the Chorabagan pandal. It will investigate the time, location, and sequence of events surrounding the incident. Additionally, the team will analyze how the crowd pressure escalated, leading to the chaos.

Key areas of focus for the investigation will include crowd density, adverse weather conditions, management of crowd at entry points, the impact of rumors, power failures, and the adequacy of emergency exits and structural arrangements. The SIT will also assess whether the number of attendees exceeded the venue’s safe capacity.

The order directs the SIT to review weather reports, warnings related to rain and storms, and their effects on crowd movement and visibility. It will also investigate public announcements, the sound of sirens, rumors, and other factors that may have triggered or exacerbated the stampede.

The team will evaluate the condition and adequacy of access routes, barricades, stairways, entrances, emergency exits, and other structural arrangements at the site. During the investigation, they will review CCTV footage, videos from mobile phones, forensic findings, call records, police logs, medical records, and other pertinent physical evidence.

In addition to examining the organizers, private security personnel, volunteers, police, ambulance services, hospitals, fire services, and civil administration, the SIT will investigate whether the necessary permits for the event were issued in accordance with regulations. The team will also scrutinize plans related to crowd management, disaster response, evacuation procedures, and police arrangements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The investigation will extend to the roles of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the Public Works Department, the Fire and Emergency Services Department, CESC Limited, and other relevant agencies. The SIT will determine whether there were any lapses, negligence, or failures in coordination among organizers, police officials, or other involved parties. If necessary, appropriate legal actions will be recommended.

Furthermore, the SIT is responsible for suggesting measures to enhance safety at large Durga Puja events in crowded areas, particularly in the narrow lanes of North Kolkata. Recommendations may include establishing maximum crowd limits based on scientific assessments, ensuring sufficient entry and exit routes, implementing CCTV surveillance, public announcement systems, emergency evacuation plans, and effective coordination among various agencies.

The SIT will also review the assistance, compensation, and rehabilitation arrangements provided to those affected by the stampede. It will assess the adequacy of the announced relief funds and other related aspects. The order mandates that all relevant departments, authorities, agencies, and individuals cooperate fully with the SIT, providing necessary documents and information for the investigation. This directive is effective immediately.