Kunal Ghosh Slams Police Over Chorbagan Stampede, Appears Before Cops on Mahashtami
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh appears before Narkeldanga police and demands accountability for the tragic Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede.
In a surprising turn of events during the festive fervor of Mahashtami, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh, associated with the Mamata Banerjee faction, voluntarily appeared before the Narkeldanga police station. The visit came after Ghosh received a notice regarding an FIR filed against him by the opposition, a move he described as a testament to his commitment to being a law-abiding citizen.
Law-Abiding Stance Amidst Political Heat
Speaking to the media, Kunal Ghosh emphasized that he did not wish to ignore the legal notice or leave the matter pending, despite the significance of the Mahashtami celebrations. He stated that while the opposition had filed a complaint, he believed in facing the process head-on rather than brushing it aside.
Demanding Accountability for Chorbagan Tragedy
While the visit was prompted by a legal notice, the TMC leader used the platform to launch a scathing attack on the handling of the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede. The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, claimed 19 lives and left at least 25 people injured, sending shockwaves through the city.
Ghosh questioned the current trajectory of the police investigation, specifically the targeting of low-ranking personnel. He argued that the arrests of Home Guards and local civic volunteers were an attempt to scapegoat those without decision-making power.
"Why are you arresting a Home Guard? A Home Guard doesn't have the authority to make policy decisions. The police officer on duty at the pandal doesn't have the authority to make policy decisions either. Arrest the higher-ups in the police or the higher-ups in the Puja committee," Ghosh asserted.
Call for Police Commissioner's Removal
The MLA's criticism extended to the top brass of the city's law enforcement. He took a direct swipe at Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, citing a complete failure in traffic management and crowd control during the Durga Puja festivities.
Expressing frustration over the gridlock paralyzing the city, Ghosh remarked that the "City of Joy" had effectively been transformed into the "City of Jams." He demanded the immediate removal of the Police Commissioner, holding him responsible for the systemic failures in urban management during the peak of the festival.
Concerns Over Political Violence
Beyond the stampede and traffic woes, Kunal Ghosh also raised concerns regarding reports of attacks on political bookstalls, including those belonging to the CPI(M). He called for a peaceful environment where religious celebrations could take place without the shadow of political interference or violence.