Kolkata Stampede: Kunal Ghosh Slams Administration and Puja Committee
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh slams administration over the deadly Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede that killed 19. Government announces SIT and compensation.
The tragic Kolkata stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal has sparked a political firestorm, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh pointing fingers at both the local administration and the event organisers for the catastrophic failure that claimed 19 lives.
"A Complete Failure": Kunal Ghosh Demands Accountability
Speaking from the hospital where the victims were brought, Kunal Ghosh did not mince words, describing the incident as a "complete failure of the administration." He insisted that the concerned Puja Committee must take full responsibility for the tragedy, noting that while influential figures may be involved, the immediate focus must remain on the victims.
Ghosh emphasized that the primary priority since Sunday evening has been the provision of relief work and urgent medical treatment for those injured in the chaos.
Immediate Demands for the Deceased and Injured
The TMC leader put forward several urgent demands to the authorities to ensure dignity and care for the victims:
- Expedited Post-Mortems: He urged that the post-mortems for the 19 deceased individuals currently at the Medical College be conducted without any further delay.
- Dignified Last Rites: Ghosh called upon the police to ensure that the grieving families face no harassment or difficulties during the cremation process.
- Medical Care: He noted that the government has already transferred patients to Apollo and other specialized facilities for better treatment.
Government Response: SIT Formed and Compensation Announced
Addressing the tragedy, West Bengal Cabinet Minister Umesh Rai characterized the stampede as a case of "mismanagement." To uncover the exact cause and identify those responsible, the state government has officially constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
In an effort to support the bereaved families, the state government has announced a significant compensation package:
- For the Deceased: An ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the next of kin.
- For the Injured: Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for each person hospitalized.
Security Tightened Across North Kolkata
In the wake of the tragedy, which left 19 dead and 25 people hospitalised, the Kolkata Police have moved to prevent further unrest. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
These restrictions, effective from October 18 to October 20, are in place in sensitive zones, specifically areas under the Bowbazar Police Station bounded by College Street, Central Avenue (CR Avenue), Colootola Street, and Eden Hospital Road.
Under these orders, the assembly of five or more people is prohibited, and the carrying of lathis or any lethal weapons is strictly forbidden to maintain public tranquillity and prevent any breach of peace in the city.