Retired judge to lead probe into Kolkata Durga Puja stampede tragedy

Retired Calcutta High Court judge Anindita Roy Saraswati will chair the Special Investigation Team tasked with probing the stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that resulted in 19 deaths. The appointment comes as authorities seek to establish a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to the tragedy.

The six-member investigative panel has been given a mandate to examine all aspects of the incident, including crowd management protocols, safety measures at the venue, and potential lapses in organization. The investigation is expected to provide crucial insights into how the disaster unfolded and identify systemic gaps that may have contributed to the loss of life.

The SIT has been directed to submit its findings within three months, with the investigation likely to focus on the roles and responsibilities of various agencies and organizers involved in managing the event. Authorities have indicated that the probe will be thorough and impartial, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The stampede has drawn significant attention to safety standards at large public gatherings across India, particularly during major religious festivals when crowds can swell rapidly. The findings from this investigation are expected to inform future safety guidelines for pandal organizers and event managers nationwide.