Kolkata Pandal Stampede: 7 Arrested, 14 Detained After 19 Die
Seven people, including puja committee members, arrested after a tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal left 19 dead.
A wave of tragedy has gripped North Kolkata after a devastating Kolkata pandal stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity Durga Puja pandal claimed 19 lives and left 25 others injured. In a swift crackdown on negligence, the Kolkata Police have arrested seven individuals and detained 14 others to determine how the crowd control failed so catastrophically.
High-Ranking Organisers Behind Bars
The police have not spared the leadership of the puja committee. Among those arrested are Raj Kumar Sewda (alias Raja), the secretary of the committee, and Santanu Dubey, the vice-president. The crackdown also extended to those responsible for the physical infrastructure and security of the venue.
The list of the arrested includes:
- Biplab Mukherjee (alias Joy): Responsible for the construction of the bamboo structure.
- Koushik Saha: Tasked with crowd management and the verification of VIP passes.
- Pintu Dey: Engaged in crowd management.
- Suman Chakraborty and Rajesh Pal: Private security in-charges.
Legal Action and Special Investigation
The Kolkata Police have registered a suo moto case against the organisers and other involved parties. The charges have been filed under Sections 105, 110, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). To ensure a thorough probe into the accountability of the event's management, the Special Task Force (STF) has officially taken over the investigation.
Government Compensation and Support
In the wake of the tragedy, the West Bengal government has announced a significant relief package for the grieving families. Each victim's family will receive Rs 25 lakh in compensation, and the government has pledged to provide a job to one member of each affected family.
Security Tightened: Section 163 Imposed
To prevent potential unrest and violent demonstrations following the incident, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This order is in effect from October 18 to October 20 in specific areas under the Bowbazar Police Station jurisdiction.
The restrictions, which cover the area bounded by College Street, CR Avenue, Collotola Street, and Eden Hospital Road, include:
- A ban on unlawful assemblies of five or more people.
- Prohibition on carrying lathis, lethal weapons, or any dangerous objects.
- Strict measures against any acts that could disturb public tranquillity or breach peace.
The stampede occurred during a period of heavy crowds at the pandal, turning a festive celebration into a scene of chaos. While the injured are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, the city remains on high alert as authorities work to uncover the exact sequence of events that led to the disaster.