Politics · India Bureau
West Bengal forms judicial panel to probe deadly Kolkata pandal stampede
The West Bengal government has constituted a six-member special investigation team headed by a retired judge to examine the October 17 stampede that claimed 19 lives at a north Kolkata community gathering. The panel is expected to complete its findings within three months.
LSN India ·
West Bengal authorities have established a specialized investigative unit to examine the circumstances surrounding the stampede at a north Kolkata pandal on October 17, which resulted in 19 deaths and multiple injuries. The team, comprising six members and led by a former judicial officer, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive probe into the incident.
The decision to form the special investigation team reflects the state government's commitment to ascertaining the root causes of the tragedy and identifying factors that contributed to the fatal crush. The inquiry will examine crowd management protocols, structural safety measures, and administrative procedures that were in place at the event venue.
The panel has been given a three-month timeline to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations. Officials stated that the inquiry will help establish accountability and inform policy changes to prevent similar incidents in future public gatherings across the state.
The October stampede at the north Kolkata pandal marked one of the most significant crowd-related disasters in the region in recent years, prompting widespread calls for improved safety standards at community events and religious gatherings throughout Bengal.