KOLKATA: Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has imposed prohibitory orders in parts of Bowbazar for three days, from October 18 to 20, to prevent a breach of peace following a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata that killed 19 people and injured 25.The orders prohibit the assembly of five or more people, the carrying of lathis or dangerous weapons, and activities that could disrupt public harmony.The restrictions come after the deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening, where a sudden rush amid heavy rain led to multiple deaths and injuries.
What happened at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal?
The stampede occurred on Saturday evening during Maha Saptami celebrations at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata.According to West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, an announcement made by the puja organisers triggered a rush among visitors, resulting in the tragedy.A police officer said people waiting outside the pandal rushed forward as rain began, causing some to fall on the road and triggering the stampede.At least 19 people died and 25 were injured. CM said 17 of the deceased died on the spot, while 24 of the injured were out of danger and one remained in critical condition.
Rs 25 lakh compensation, government job for families of deceased
Following the tragedy, CM Adhikari announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the family of each deceased person.The state government will also bear the entire cost of medical treatment for the injured and provide Rs 5 lakh to each of them, the chief minister said.CM said the government would seek the intervention of the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to constitute a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.The committee would include special task force (STF) and forensic teams and examine the circumstances leading to the stampede, including crowd management arrangements.Kolkata Police’s Anti-Rowdy Section has collected CCTV footage from the site, which will be examined as part of the investigation.
Organisers, security personnel detained for questioning
CM Suvendu Adhikari said officials of the organising club, private security guards and personnel on duty had been detained for questioning. He said action would be taken against those found responsible for lapses in crowd management.The administration also advised several crowded theme-based Durga Puja pandals to temporarily close following the tragedy.The prohibitory orders in parts of Bowbazar will remain in force from October 18 to October 20, with restrictions on gatherings, dangerous weapons and activities that could disturb public peace.(With agency inputs)
