Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Kolkata probe examines crowd control failures after deadly Durga Puja stampede
Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into crowd management lapses, inadequate signage and heavy rainfall that contributed to a stampede at a major Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people. Eyewitnesses and residents have flagged severe organisational shortcomings at the Chorbagan venue.
LSN India ·
Investigators are examining multiple factors that may have contributed to Saturday evening's fatal stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, according to senior police officials. The incident has prompted questions about crowd control protocols and administrative preparedness at one of the city's prominent festival venues.
Eyewitnesses have alleged that organisers failed to provide clear announcements regarding entry and exit routes, creating confusion among visitors during peak hours. Several residents claimed the heavy rainfall compounded the chaos, as attendees rushed to seek shelter while navigating congested areas of the pandal.
Local residents have also criticised police deployment at the site, alleging that law enforcement personnel were concentrated near the VIP entrance rather than distributed throughout the venue. "I have not seen adequate police presence this year. This resulted in the mismanagement," said Sanghamitra Bhowmik, a Chorbagan resident. Additional complaints emerged regarding insufficient assistance in evacuating and transporting the injured to hospitals.
Police authorities have indicated they will scrutinise whether lapses occurred in crowd management or if organisers violated safety protocols during pandal construction. "These matters should be probed thoroughly," a senior police officer said, noting that responsibility will be determined once the investigation is complete. The inquiry is expected to examine both organisational accountability and police response procedures.