West Bengal stampede: Accused arrested as probe panel announced

A stampede in Kolkata's Chorbagan area has triggered a major administrative upheaval, with police placing a prime accused in 10-day custody while authorities conduct preliminary investigations into the tragedy.

Following the incident, multiple officials have faced suspension as questions mount over crowd management and safety protocols. The blamed party denies responsibility, setting off a heated exchange between stakeholders over accountability for the disaster.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the government would establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court to conduct a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the stampede. This judicial panel is expected to examine all aspects of the incident and submit findings to authorities.

Investigators are focusing on crowd control measures, event organization, and whether adequate safety precautions were implemented at the site. The probe comes as the state faces intense scrutiny over public safety standards at mass gatherings.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter regulations governing large congregations and better training for officials responsible for crowd management across the state.