Stories
Arvind Kejriwal Mourns Kolkata Stampede Victims as Police Arrest Seven Organisers
- •Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep grief over the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata that claimed 19 lives.
- •The stampede occurred on Saturday night due to a massive rush of devotees, leaving several others injured and prompting widespread mourning.
- •Kolkata Police registered a suo motu case and arrested seven individuals, including key organizers, a vice president, and private security in-charges.
- •Authorities have imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in parts of Kolkata for three days, restricting unlawful assemblies and the carrying of weapons to maintain public peace.
Key Questions Answered
The tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when a sudden downpour prompted a massive rush of devotees to enter the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata. Narrow entry and exit points, combined with heavy crowds and panic, led to a severe crush that claimed 19 lives.
Kolkata Police registered a suo motu case at Girish Park Police Station under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the event organisers and others. Fourteen individuals have been detained for questioning, and seven people have been formally arrested, including the secretary, vice president, construction leads, crowd control coordinators, and private security in-charges.
Following the deadly incident, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across specified parts of Kolkata from October 18 to 20. This order bans unlawful assemblies of five or more persons, the carrying of dangerous weapons, and any actions likely to breach public peace in the Bowbazar Police Station jurisdiction.
