NEW DELHI: A sudden surge of people, heavy rain and alleged confusion over announcements and entry-exit routes are among the factors being investigated after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata killed at least 19 people and injured 25 others on Saturday evening.The incident occurred around 7.15pm on Maha Saptami, when a large crowd waiting on the narrow Radha Madhab Saha Lane to enter the pandal reportedly surged forward as a downpour began. Those already inside were caught in the rush, with people unable to move towards the exit as visitors ahead blocked their way. Several people reportedly fell down a flight of stairs near the exit and were trampled by those behind them.A misleading announcement by the puja committee is also suspected to have added to the confusion, while the blowing of whistles by private security guards may have triggered a rush among visitors, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Crowd management and security under scrutiny
Kolkata Police are investigating whether lapses in crowd management, confusion over entry and exit routes, and heavy rain contributed to the tragedy, a senior officer told PTI. Eyewitnesses alleged that announcements about entry, exit and crowd movement were improper, leaving visitors confused during peak hours.Locals also questioned the police deployment at the venue, claiming that personnel were largely stationed near the VIP entrance.“I have not seen adequate police presence this year. This resulted in the mismanagement,” Chorbagan resident Sanghamitra Bhowmik told PTI.Another concern raised by locals was the alleged lack of administrative assistance in taking the injured to hospitals.“There must be some lapses, but these should be probed. Whether lapses were on the part of the organisers or they had flouted the rules to erect the pandal will be checked,” the police officer told PTI.A forensic team visited the site late on Saturday to collect evidence. Police are questioning the organisers and examining CCTV footage, while also seeking details of the security guards and other personnel deployed to manage the crowd. Officers who were posted at the venue will also be questioned as part of the investigation.
State orders safety review of pandals
Adhikari, who visited the injured at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, said the incident had raised concerns about safety arrangements at crowded Durga Puja venues. According to hospital sources, 11 injured people were shifted to SSKM Hospital. The deceased included 13 women and a child, a source at the medical college said.The chief minister announced a high-level committee to inspect prominent pandals across West Bengal and review crowd management, exit routes, lighting and structural safety. The panel will be led by Disaster Management Principal Secretary Rajesh Sinha, Fire Services Director General Anuj Sharma and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Javed Shamim.
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Adhikari urged organisers to follow official safety recommendations, warning against elaborate themes that compromise visitors’ safety. He also called for wider exits, better lighting and the removal of bottlenecks created by temporary rope enclosures. Where complex structures obstruct movement, organisers may be advised to restrict rituals to the inner sanctum and use LED screens outside.The state government has announced Rs 25 lakh in compensation and a Group D government job for the family of each deceased victim. A toll-free helpline, 18003455678, has also been set up to help people seeking information about those affected.