Kolkata Pandal Stampede: 'Administration's Negligence' Claims Victim's Sister
Family of a victim in the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede slams administration for negligence as SIT probe begins and 7 are arrested.
The festive spirit of Durga Puja has been overshadowed by tragedy and anger as the aftermath of the Kolkata Pandal stampede continues to unfold. The incident at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity pandal claimed 19 lives, leaving families shattered and sparking a fierce debate over public safety and government mismanagement during India's biggest festival.
Heartbreak in Hooghly: A Family's Loss
In the quiet town of Baidyabati in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, the atmosphere is one of profound grief. The parents of Sriparna Poddar, one of the victims of the tragedy, have traveled to Kolkata to retrieve their daughter's body. Sriparna, who served as a member of the nursing staff, was described by those who knew her as a "very good girl."
Ripa Das, Sriparna’s foster sister, expressed her disbelief and anger over the sudden loss. Recalling the moments before the tragedy, Das shared that Sriparna had been getting ready to spend time with her friends, never imagining it would be her final outing.
“If the arrangements had been a bit more robust, this incident wouldn't have happened. I will only say one thing: this is due to the administration's negligence,” Das stated.
Community Outrage and Allegations of VVIP Culture
The anger is not limited to the immediate family. Neighbours who watched Sriparna grow up alongside their own children are equally devastated. Gouri Das Chatterjee, a neighbour, slammed the government for what she termed a "total failure" of management.
Chatterjee pointed out a stark contrast in how the administration handles the crowds, alleging that police and resources are only deployed effectively when VVIPs or high-profile figures visit. She criticized the authorities for neglecting the safety of general citizens while focusing on the optics of important visitors, asserting that better crowd management could have saved lives.
Government Response and Legal Action
In the wake of the disaster, the West Bengal government and the Kolkata Police have moved into damage control and investigation mode:
- Arrests Made: The Kolkata Police have already arrested seven individuals in connection with the stampede at the Chorbagan pandal.
- SIT Probe: State Cabinet Minister Umesh Rai announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough inquiry. He explicitly termed the tragedy a "case of mismanagement."
- Financial Aid: The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, along with a government job offer. Those injured in the stampede will receive Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance.
Security Measures Imposed
To prevent further unrest and maintain law and order, the Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These orders are effective across sensitive areas of the city from October 18 to October 20.