19 Dead in Chorbagan Pandal Tragedy: Police Arrest Organisers, Security In-Charges
Kolkata Police have arrested seven people, among them organisers of a Durga Puja pandal and security in-charges, after a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 others in north Kolkata.
What happened
The stampede took place on Saturday evening, Maha Saptami, at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. It followed a sudden surge in the crowd amid rainfall. The entry gate was later seen closed and barricaded by police.
Arrests and investigation
Police have registered a case on their own initiative for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Fourteen people are in detention and are being questioned, and the seven arrests include members of the puja committee and the people in charge of security. The process of identifying the victims is under way.
Chief Minister’s response
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has promised strict action against anyone found to have failed in their duties, which allegedly led to mismanagement of the crowd. He has also called for a safety review of Durga Puja pandals across the state.
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