Stories
Chorbagan Disaster: Chief Minister Scolds Police at Spot Amid Outrage
- •A tragic stampede during Durga Puja pandal hopping in Chorbagan, North Kolkata, resulted in the deaths of 19 people, including a child, with 25 others injured.
- •The Chief Minister visited the accident site and questioned the police administration regarding their failure to manage the swelling crowds and lack of prior warning.
- •A special inspection team led by senior officials was formed immediately to review crowd management at major puja pandals across the city.
- •Authorities at Lalbazar imposed Section 163 in Central Avenue and surrounding areas for three days, prohibiting large gatherings of five or more people.
- •Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the disaster, including the puja committee secretary, vice-president, and private security officials.
Key Questions Answered
The disaster occurred during Saptami when heavy crowds swelled at the pandal and sudden rain started. Panic and chaos erupted following an emergency announcement over the microphone, leading to a massive rush at the narrow exit and entry points where people were crushed.
Lalbazar launched an investigation and arrested 7 individuals, including the puja committee's secretary, vice-president, and officials from a private security agency. Overall, authorities detained individuals including private security guards and on-duty officials to probe safety and crowd-management lapses.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari formed a special inspection team led by State Disaster Management Secretary Rajesh Singh, Fire Services DG Anuj Sharma, and STF ADG Javed Shamim to review major puja management. Additionally, Lalbazar imposed Section 163 across extensive areas like Central Avenue and Kolutola for three days, banning gatherings of five or more people.
