Kolkata stampede death toll reaches 19; Bengal government orders probe

A stampede during a religious gathering in Kolkata has left 19 people dead, prompting the state government to initiate a formal investigation into the tragic incident. The West Bengal administration announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances that led to the stampede and determine responsibility for alleged lapses in crowd management.

Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, as authorities focus on crowd control failures that may have contributed to the tragedy. Investigations are ongoing to establish whether proper safety protocols were followed and if adequate measures were in place to manage the gathering.

Medical authorities reported that 25 people injured in the stampede are currently receiving treatment across various hospitals in the city. Two of the injured remain in intensive care units, while others are reported to be in stable condition. Healthcare workers continue to monitor the condition of the critically injured patients.

The stampede has reignited debate over public safety measures at large gatherings in the state. Officials are expected to examine aspects including crowd capacity management, entry and exit protocols, and coordination among agencies responsible for maintaining order at such events. The SIT's findings are likely to influence future guidelines for organizing mass assemblies in West Bengal.