Overview
- A deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata left 19 people dead after heavy rain sparked pushing, panic and crowding inside the temporary structure, officials reported on Monday.
- The West Bengal government has tasked an impartial committee that includes a retired judge, after consulting the Calcutta High Court, and officials say the inquiry’s findings will be made public and circulated to puja committees.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has scheduled a statewide review of crowd management and emergency preparedness for October 28 that will connect district magistrates and police chiefs by video and stress entry and exit planning, lighting and emergency services.
- Adhikari defended moving 25 injured people to private hospitals as a medical-priority decision, acknowledged human error in the tragedy, rejected conspiracy claims and said the government will not shield anyone found responsible.
- Commentators and some local leaders blame organisational and policing failures, and the government has ordered further preparatory meetings for Kali Puja, Diwali, Chhath, Jagaddhatri and the Gangasagar Mela to restore public confidence and prevent repeat incidents.