HighLights
  1. 19 dead in Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede.
  2. 14 detained; SIT probe ordered
  3. CM announced financial aid for victims' families.

Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede Update: The death toll from the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal near Chittaranjan Avenue in north Kolkata has risen to 19, with several others injured. Kolkata Police on Sunday registered a case against the organisers and others in connection with the incident. Fourteen people have been detained for questioning, while seven have been arrested as the investigation continues.

The West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. State Cabinet Minister Umesh Rai announced the decision on Sunday, describing the incident as a case of mismanagement. The SIT will conduct a detailed probe into the incident.

Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "The government has constituted an SIT to conduct a thorough inquiry into the entire matter. The government is providing financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased. Additionally, if there is an eligible family member, the state government will provide them with a 'Group D' government job. For those who were injured, the government is providing financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh and has taken full responsibility for their medical treatment."

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Latest Updates

- According to a complaint filed by a sub-inspector of Girish Park police station, heavy rainfall and warnings about the possible collapse triggered stampede. The complaint is expected to form the basis of the F in the case.

- According to news agency ANI, Kolkata Police have registered a case against the organisers and others in connection with the incident. Fourteen people have been detained for questioning, while seven have been arrested.

- The arrested persons include puja committee secretary Raj Kumar Sewda alias Raja (48), vice president Santanu Dubey (55), Biplab Mukherjee alias Joy (48), who was involved in constructing the bamboo structure, Koushik Saha (53) and Pintu Dey (51), who were involved in crowd control and VIP pass checking, and private security in-charges Suman Chakraborty (30) and Rajesh Pal (29).

- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Suvendu Adhikari arrived at Apollo Hospital and met those injured on Sunday.

- Visuals from the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where a stampede occured on Saturday evening.

- As per reports, investigators are examining CCTV footage to determine whether lapses in crowd management or security contributed to the tragedy. Police have detained 12 people, including puja organisers, for questioning.

- At least 19 people have died in the stampede according to the figures provided by the state government.

- Several people were injured, with reports varying on the number. One injured person was reported to be in critical condition. Eleven injured people were referred to SSKM Hospital, while others have been taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

ALSO READ: 'Narrow Gates, No Lights, Heavy Rain': Eyewitnesses Recount Horror Of Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede

- Preliminary accounts suggest that a sudden increase in crowd movement following an announcement by the organisers and whistles blown by private security personnel may have contributed to the chaos.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the incident, with the Prime Minister announcing ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

- Eyewitnesses also said the pandal featured a circular elevated corridor designed around a 360-degree viewing concept. Initial accounts suggest that crowd pressure may have intensified in this passage. The exact cause remains under investigation.

- Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with several people collapsing and others being transported on motorcycles. Some alleged that police and security personnel did not provide assistance promptly.

- Union Home Minister Amir Shah also expressed grief over the tragedy. After arriving in Kolkata on Saturday night, he postponed his scheduled engagements for Sunday and was expected to visit the injured in hospital.

- Darshan was suspended following the incident. The pandal lights were switched off, and entry and exit routes were closed to visitors.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: How Heavy Rain, Crowd Surge Triggered Chaos At Chorbagan, Leaving 19 Dead


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