Kolkata Pandal Stampede: WB Minister Vows Action as 7 Arrested
West Bengal Minister Koushik Chowdhury promises action as 7 are arrested following a deadly stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal.
The West Bengal government has launched a high-level probe into the tragic Kolkata pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives and left 25 others injured. Koushik Chowdhury, the Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services, has asserted that the government is meticulously examining the incident to pinpoint exactly where things went wrong and who must be held accountable.
Government Probe and Ministerial Response
Speaking to the media, Minister Koushik Chowdhury confirmed that he has already been in communication with the Chief Minister regarding the disaster. He announced that a crucial meeting is scheduled to discuss the specifics of the tragedy that unfolded at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata.
"We are examining the situation very carefully to determine whose fault it is and what exactly went wrong. I have already spoken with the Chief Minister, and a meeting will also be held in a short while; we are looking into it. Certainly, action will be taken," Chowdhury stated.
Police Crackdown: Seven Arrested
The Kolkata Police have moved swiftly, arresting seven individuals linked to the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity. The arrests target both the leadership of the puja committee and those responsible for the physical infrastructure and crowd control.
The arrested individuals include:
- Raj Kumar Sewda (alias Raja), 48: Secretary of the puja committee.
- Santanu Dubey, 55: Vice-president of the committee.
- Biplab Mukherjee (alias Joy), 48: Responsible for the construction of the bamboo structure.
- Koushik Saha, 53: Tasked with crowd management and VIP pass verification.
- Pintu Dey, 51: Involved in crowd management.
- Suman Chakraborty, 30: Private security in-charge.
- Rajesh Pal, 29: Private security in-charge.
In addition to these arrests, the police have detained 14 other people who are currently being questioned to uncover more details about the lapse in safety protocols.
Legal Action and Compensation
The authorities have registered a suo moto case against the organisers and other involved parties under Sections 105, 110, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). To ensure a thorough investigation, the Special Task Force (STF) has been tasked with establishing full accountability for the disaster.
In a move to support the grieving families, the West Bengal government has announced a significant compensation package. The family of each victim will receive Rs 25 lakh and a government job.