Judicial probe ordered into deadly Kolkata Durga Puja stampede

A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has claimed at least 19 lives, prompting West Bengal authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting judge to examine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced immediate relief measures for the affected families, including compensation of ₹25 lakh each and the promise of a government job for one member of each bereaved household. The announcement underscores the government's commitment to supporting those impacted by the incident.

The stampede occurred during the Durga Puja festivities, one of the most significant religious celebrations in West Bengal. The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at public religious gatherings across the region.

The judicial-headed SIT is expected to investigate factors including crowd control measures, the pandal's structural design, and emergency response procedures. Authorities have not yet released details about the specific circumstances that triggered the stampede, with the investigation expected to provide clarity on preventive measures needed for future events.

The incident has prompted broader discussions about safety at large public assemblies during major festivals across South and Southeast Asia, where similar gatherings attract hundreds of thousands of devotees.