Seven, including Chorbagan Durga Puja organisers, arrested for pandal stampede in Kolkata: Police - The Hindu
Following a tragic stampede during the Durga Puja celebrations at the Chorbagan pandal in north Kolkata that claimed 19 lives and left many injured, police have taken swift action by arresting seven individuals. Among those detained are key office-bearers of the organising committee, including the secretary and vice-president, alongside security heads and structure supervisors. Authorities registered a suo motu case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focusing on culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Preliminary findings highlight severe safety lapses, pointing to narrow entry points, poor crowd management, and confusing announcements during a sudden rain shower on Maha Saptami evening. In response to the tragedy, local authorities have sealed the site, deployed forensic teams, and imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS in the surrounding areas to preserve law and order as the high-level investigation continues.
The Key points
- Kolkata Police arrested seven individuals after a deadly stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal.
- The tragic incident resulted in 19 fatalities and injured several other visiting devotees.
- Key committee members apprehended include secretary Raj Kumar Sewda and vice-president Santanu Dubey.
- Authorities registered a suo motu case focusing on culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
- Inadequate crowd control and narrow access routes triggered panic during a sudden downpour.
- Confusion over loudspeaker announcements compounded the chaos and rush on Maha Saptami.
- Arrests also target bamboo structure constructors, VIP-pass checkers, and private security leads.
- Forensic teams and a Special Task Force sealed the venue to thoroughly examine safety failures.
- Section 163 prohibitory orders were enforced across nearby zones to maintain peace and order.
- Further detentions and questioning are underway as investigations seek to fix ultimate accountability.
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