Stories
Kolkata On High Alert: IPS Officers Recalled And Doctors Leave Cancelled After Stampede
- •Kolkata has stepped up security and emergency preparations during Durga Puja following a deadly stampede at Chorabagan Sarbojanin that claimed 19 lives and left 25 injured.
- •Nine experienced IPS officers who previously managed Durga Puja arrangements are being recalled to the city to strengthen crowd control and law enforcement.
- •The state health department has cancelled leave for doctors and healthcare workers until Dashami and deployed specialized medical teams near major puja pandals.
- •Hospitals have been instructed to ensure the availability of specialist doctors, ambulances, blood, and oxygen supplies to handle emergencies promptly.
- •Authorities have imposed Section 163 in parts of Bowbazar and ordered strict on-site inspections at crowded venues to prevent further incidents.
Key Questions Answered
The tragedy occurred on Saptami evening when a massive crowd gathered to view the idol amidst heavy rainfall, causing chaos at a narrow entrance. A panic-inducing announcement that the pavilion was breaking further intensified the jostling, leading to a deadly crush that claimed 19 lives and injured 25 people.
In response to the tragedy, the administration recalled nine experienced IPS officers to strengthen crowd management in Kolkata. Additionally, Section 163 of the BNSS was imposed in parts of the Bowbazar police station area from Sunday to Tuesday to restrict unlawful gatherings and maintain public order.
The state health department cancelled leave for doctors and healthcare workers until Dashami and deployed medical teams from five major medical colleges near prominent puja pandals. Hospitals were also instructed to ensure adequate supplies of ambulances, blood, oxygen, and specialists like orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
