Kolkata Pandal Stampede: Govt Orders SIT Probe, Announces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia and Jobs
West Bengal govt orders SIT probe into the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, announcing Rs 25 lakh for kin of the 19 dead and jobs for survivors.
The West Bengal government has moved swiftly to address the tragedy at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where a devastating stampede claimed 19 lives and left 25 others injured. In a bid to uncover the exact cause of the chaos, State Cabinet Minister Umesh Rai announced on Sunday that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Compensation and Support for Victims
Acknowledging the gravity of the loss, the state government has announced a significant financial package for the affected families. The kin of those who lost their lives in the tragedy will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh. Furthermore, the government has pledged a 'Group D' government job to an eligible family member of the deceased.
For those injured in the crush, the government is providing financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each. Minister Umesh Rai emphasized that the state has taken full responsibility for the medical treatment of the 25 injured individuals, who are currently being treated at various government hospitals and medical colleges.
A "Case of Mismanagement": How it Happened
Minister Umesh Rai did not mince words regarding the cause of the tragedy, explicitly labeling it a "case of mismanagement." He detailed a perfect storm of circumstances that led to the fatal surge:
- Sudden Weather Shift: A sudden downpour triggered a panic. People waiting in the long queues rushed into the pandal simultaneously to seek shelter from the rain.
- The Bottleneck Effect: The pandal was already packed with devotees. As the rain began, those inside refused to leave, while the crowd from outside continued to push their way in.
- Poor Visibility: Because it was a themed pandal, the lighting inside was dim. This made it difficult for devotees to realize how dangerously crowded the space had become until it was too late.
"People should have been prevented from entering. Entry should have been regulated and restricted," Minister Rai admitted, highlighting the serious lapses in ground-level crowd control.
Strict Security Measures Imposed in Kolkata
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Kolkata Police have taken stringent measures to maintain law and order and prevent any further unrest. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Details of the Restrictions:
- Duration: The orders are effective for three days, from October 18 to October 20.
- Affected Areas: The restrictions apply to sensitive zones under the Bowbazar Police Station, specifically the area bounded by College Street, Central Avenue (CR Avenue), Colootola Street, and Eden Hospital Road.
- Prohibitions: The order bans any unlawful assembly of five or more persons. It also strictly prohibits the carrying of lathis, lethal weapons, or any dangerous objects that could disturb public peace.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the festivities at one of North Kolkata's most renowned pandals, raising urgent questions about safety protocols during one of the world's largest festivals.