World · India Bureau
Arrest made in Kolkata pandal collapse announcement that triggered deadly stampede
Police have arrested a man in connection with an announcement about the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal collapsing, which authorities say sparked panic and a stampede that killed 19 people on October 17. The incident has raised questions about crowd management during major religious festivals in the city.
LSN India ·
Kolkata police arrested the individual accused of making an announcement warning of a structural collapse at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal, an incident investigators believe triggered the fatal stampede. The announcement, made during the crowded festival celebrations, reportedly caused widespread panic among devotees gathered at the popular pandal site.
According to police statements, the alarm about an imminent collapse set off a rush as crowds attempted to evacuate the area. The resulting stampede proved catastrophic, with 19 people losing their lives in the crush. Authorities say the initial announcement, whether made out of genuine concern or otherwise, created conditions that led to the tragic loss of life.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on crowd control measures at major Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata, which attract thousands of visitors daily during the festival season. Festival organizers and civic authorities have faced criticism over insufficient safety protocols and overcrowding management at popular sites.
Investigations into the incident continue as police seek to establish the full sequence of events leading to the stampede. The arrest marks a significant development in efforts to hold someone accountable for the tragedy that shocked the city during one of its most important cultural celebrations.