Kolkata Puja Stampede Puts BJP-Linked Committee Under Scrutiny
Jayanta Banerjee, who played a key role in making Chorbagan one of Kolkata's prominent Durga Puja destinations, was a close friend of Kartik Banerjee
Before anything else, recognise a national tragedy
A tragic stampede occurred during Durga Pujo celebrations in Kolkata, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people. The chaos reportedly started after an announcement about a pandal collapse triggered a panic rush for a narrow exit. This incident highlights the ongoing issues with crowd management and the lack of safety measures at such events. Authorities need to adopt non-negotiable safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Panel to probe Kolkata stampede; nine IPS officers to handle festive rush
A high-powered committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will probe the adverse incident at the Chorbagan Puja Committee. To improve crowd control, nine IPS officers have been assigned to manage the festivals crowds effectively. The disaster management secretary and other officials are inspecting various puja pandals to ensure safety measures. Compensation cheques of 25 lakh will be distributed to the bereaved families on specified dates.
Police tighten security at puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Kolkata Woman Defrauded of Rs 61 Lakh by Fake NIA Officers in Mumbai
UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs safety checks at Durga Puja pandals amid Kolkata stampede
Bihar CM, Nitin others condole Kolkata deaths
7 Held For Fatal Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede
Kolkata Police arrested seven puja committee members after a stampede killed 19 people and injured 25 at a Durga Puja pandal. A judicial probe and compensation were announced.
Police review Durga Puja safety protocols after Kolkata tragedy
Asphyxia Caused Most Deaths In Kolkata Stampede
Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.
Bharat Ki Baat Batata Hoon | Tiger Shroff Firing News: ! | Kolkata Stampede
Bharat Ki Baat Batata Hoon | Tiger Shroff Firing News: ! | Kolkata Stampede
Bengal deploys nine IPS officers for Puja crowd control
Following a fatal pandal stampede, the West Bengal government has deployed nine experienced IPS officers to manage Durga Puja crowds in Kolkata. The Kolkata Police also issued an 11-point advisory, detailing measures like closing pandal entries during rain, regulating visitor movement, and coordinating with puja organisers to ensure safety during the festive rush.
Majority of victims in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are women, children
Among the 19 dead are 13 females, including two minors; the two other deceased minors are males
Winter fog disrupts rail travel; cancellations impact Golden Temple pilgrims & Kolkata passengers
A stampede at Kolkatas Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja pandal killed 19 people and injured 25. The incident has drawn attention to limits in crowd-monitoring technology, including failures in dense, rainy conditions, and to risks posed by temporary structures under heavy rain and crowd pressure.
Kolkata stampede: CM Suvendu orders probe into role of temporary home guards
Taking a dig at the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, Adhikari also claimed that his administration had inherited a baggage of rubbish from the erstwhile regime, adding that cleaning up the system would take time
Indian air ambulance lands in Dhaka after door opens mid-air; patient later dies
The aircraft, flying from Agartala to Kolkata, made a safe emergency landing at Dhaka airport
CISF plans sector-specific functional reorganisation from Nov 1
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS) The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will reorganise its administrative and operational control structure from November 1 to enable sector-specific supervision, efficiency and coordination, an official said on Sunday. The functional reorganisation, approved by the Union Home Ministry, assumes significance as the CISF's mandate is expanding beyond conventional industrial security to encompass new and specialised security responsibilities, an official statement said. Under the reorganisation, the National Capital Region Sector has been reorganised into the Government Building Museums and Monuments and Mass Rapid Transit System (GBMM & MRTS) Sector in New Delhi. The North Sector (New Delhi) and North Eastern Sector-II (Kolkata) have been restructured as the Power-I and Power-II Sectors, respectively, the statement said. The Eastern Sector (Ranchi) has been transitioned into the Coal Sector, while the Central Sector (Bhilai) is now the dedicated Steel Sector, it added. The North Eastern Sector (Guwahati) has been transformed into the Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector, it said. To fortify India's maritime trade infrastructure, the Western Sector (Mumbai) and South Sector (Chennai) have been respectively transformed into the West Coast Port Sector and the East Coast Port Sector, it added. The existing Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Space (DoS) Sector in Bengaluru, and Airport Sector-I in New Delhi, and Airport Sector-II in Bengaluru, will continue under their respective functional arrangements, the statement said. The CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The functional realignment of port-sector supervision is expected to support the development of specialised port-security expertise and coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders, the statement added. Under the earlier arrangement, administrative and operational supervision was largely organised on the basis of territorial jurisdiction. Over the past 25 years, the CISF adopted a functional approach in selected sectors, including aviation and strategic establishments under the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space. The experience gained from this approach highlighted the advantages of specialised supervision, focused training, sector-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), better utilisation of specialised personnel and closer coordination with the concerned organisations, the statement said. Building on this experience, the CISF has reviewed the supervisory structure of the remaining territorial sectors and undertaken their functional realignment after detailed deliberations with supervisory formations, branches at Force Headquarters and senior officers, followed by approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the statement added.
'There will never be a Durga Puja in our lives again'
Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.
Videos from Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal show panic after an announcement warned, Pandal is collapsing, before a stampede killed 19 people and injured 25.
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 7 Accused Sent To 10-Day Police Custody
The accused were given 10 days of police custody by a local court on Sunday.
Panel inspects Bengal Puja pandals' safety after stampede
A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.
Bengal CM hints at scrapping VIP gates at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Following a tragic stampede during Durga Puja celebrations, Kolkata Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced reforms for crowd management. The government may ban VIP gates to ensure equal access for all puja revellers. A special investigation team will be formed to examine the incident's circumstances and police actions. Compensation will be provided to victims and their families, with a focus on improving future safety measures.
10-Day Police Custody For 7 Accused In Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede
Police had registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder over the stampede that broke out around 7:40 pm on Saturday amid heavy rain.
Kolkata Tragedy: Chief Minister to Meet Victims Families and Distribute Compensation Checks
West Bengals Chief Minister to meet families of victims from the Kolkata stampede, offering compensation checks on October 20 and 21. Kolkata Tragedy: Chief Minister to Meet Victims Families and Distribute Compensation Checks
Police step up vigil at Ranchi puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Opinion: Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Suvendu Adhikari's First Major Challenge As Chief Minister
The tragedy is not simply a question of how a single puja committee organised its festival. It is also a test of the administration's ability to anticipate risks and respond effectively when a large public gathering becomes dangerous.
Kolkata: 7 arrested over Durga Puja stampede produced before local court
Police on Sunday produced before a local court the seven arrested persons in connection with the stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, which resulted in the death of 19 people, a senior official said. Twenty-five people were also injured in the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, following a crowd surge amid rain on Saturday evening. The arrested persons have been taken to Bankshall court. We would appeal for their custody, the official told PTI. Those arrested include the puja committee's secretary, vice-president and two employees of a private security agency. Police have also registered a suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the case.
Kolkata stampede: Suvendu puts home guards under scanner
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has initiated an investigation into the role of temporary home guards following a stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people. Adhikari criticised the previous administration and highlighted issues with crowd management and the conduct of home guards during the incident. The probe will also include puja organisers and licensing authorities, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed. Seven people, including organisers, have been arrested.
Chorbagan stampede: Former secretary says idol's shifting went against tradition
Former Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee general secretary Jayanta Banerjee has expressed anguish over the stampede that killed 19 people in north Kolkata, saying this year's shift in the idol's position went against long-followed community practices. He said he had repeatedly cautioned organisers against the change but did not link it to the tragedy.
Kolkata Police Issues Guidelines After Tragic Stampede During Durga Puja
Following a deadly stampede, Kolkata police have canceled VIP passes and issued new guidelines for Durga Puja organizers. Kolkata Police Issues Guidelines After Tragic Stampede During Durga Puja
Pandal Collapse Warning May Have Triggered Kolkata Stampede That Killed 19
A microphone announcement warning visitors that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal was at risk of collapsing may have triggered panic and contributed to a stampede in north Kolkata that killed 19 people and injured 25. Kolkata Police is examining a video of the announcement and investigating who made it and why.
Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Witnessed Crowd Chaos Before Stampede
Videos show revellers pushing past barricades and clashing with police at Kolkatas Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal before Saturdays stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25. Heavy crowds and repeated restrictions on movement had highlighted growing pressure at the venue in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Narrow space, single gate: Home guards role under lens in Kolkata stampede; 7 remanded
Suvendu Adhikari has ordered an investigation into the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths. The crowded conditions worsened by rain contributed significantly to the tragic event. Adhikari criticized the previous TMC administration for leaving behind issues that led to this disaster. Additionally, seven individuals connected to the incident have been remanded to police custody for further questioning.
Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede: 7 accused sent to 10-day police custody
Kolkata Police releases guidelines for puja organisers, cancels all VIP passes after stampede
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 18 (IANS) A day after 19 people were killed in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, the city police on Sunday issued several instructions for police personnel and puja organisers for the remainder of puja days. The major instruction among them is that all VIP passes to visit the pandals have been cancelled. It has been instructed that no food stalls of any kind can be kept at the entry and exit points of such pavilions. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has issued a set of instructions to all police stations in Kolkata in this regard. Through this directive, it will be possible to maintain continuous smooth communication between the police and the security personnel and the pandal authorities. The Police Commissioner has said in his instructions that from now on the control of the public address system will be in the hands of the police. Apart from this, there will be not only volunteers in the pandals, but at least one Police Constable as well. Apart from this, the entry and exit points of the pandals will have to be kept empty. It has been told in this directive that it is also necessary to check whether there is adequate lighting inside the pandal and the entry and exit points of the pandal. Apart from this, all the Inspectors of Kolkata Police will have Manpack radio set through which it will be possible to maintain constant communication with the Puja committee. The police on Sunday arrested seven people, including organisers, in connection with the stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives. A large number of devotees were injured following a stampede at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata as an excessive crowd flocked into the pandal arena to catch a glimpse of the idols. Tension broke out among visitors at the Puja pandal after a portion of the exit gate structure collapsed. The injured were immediately rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and two other state hospitals. Nearly 17 people were declared brought dead at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 injured were admitted for treatment. Out of them, the condition of one is said to be critical. The death toll reached 19 on Sunday.
Telangana BJP chief demands proper probe into Kolkata stampede
Hyderabad: Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief N Ramchander Rao has demanded a proper probe and action against those responsible for the stampede at a Durga Puja Mandal in Kolkata, where 19 people lost their lives. The stampede in West Bengal, in Kolkata, is a big tragedy, and I condole the deaths of the devotees Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Seven accused in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede remanded to 10-day police custody
The News Mill
Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengal
Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengals Durgapur Kolkata: Five people were killed and five others critically injured in two separate road accidents in West Burdwan districts Durgapur on Sunday, police said. The two accidents took place on National Highway 19 in Durgapur. DCP, East, of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Raspreet Singh said, Five [] The post Five killed in two separate road accidents in Bengals Durgapur appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Sudden rain, poor crowd management likely led to Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: What we know so far
'Sudden rain, narrow space led to Durga Puja stampede'
Locals of Chorbagan area of Kolkata on Sunday said sudden rainfall, narrow space, heavy rush of visitors and lack of adequate volunteers and police for crowd management contributed to the stampede at the Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives on the previous day.
Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: SIT under sitting judge to probe tragedy, says CM
The stampede, triggered by a massive rush of devotees at the Durga Puja pandal, claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured. Adhikari said six people had been arrested in connection with the incident and that two of the injured remained in the ICU
The stampede at Kolkatas Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal has left many in shock and mourning. Several celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Subhashree Ganguly, took to social media to express their grief and offer condolences to those affected by the tragic incident.
Kalyan Banerjee alleges maladministration in Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede
The News Mill
Kolkata Stampede: Committee Visits famous Durga Puja Pandals to Review Safety Norms
The panel members would visit several crowd-puller Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata to oversee safety and security norms and crowd management plans
49 Seconds Of Panic: Video Shows Kolkata Puja Pandal Crowd Crush That Killed 19. Watch
Women and children can be heard crying for help. Visitors are packed shoulder-to-shoulder inside a narrow, barricaded passage beneath a low roof. Some appear to brace themselves against the wall to avoid falling.
Faridabad Durga Puja Pandals Checked After Kolkata Stampede: Broad Gates Found
Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 restrictions in parts of Bowbazar from October 18 to 20 following the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, reportedly claiming 19 lives. The order restricts unlawful gatherings and dangerous weapons. Authorities announced compensation for victims' families
Kolkata Stampede: 18 Victims From Bengal, One From Bihar, Says Suvendu
Suvendu Adhikari announces Rs 25 lakh compensation for each victims family and says police, civic body and fire services personnel have been excluded from the SIT probing the tragedy.
Kolkata Police Makes Lighting Mandatory At Puja Pandals After Stampede Tragedy
In the wake of the deadly Kolkata Durga Puja stampede, Kolkata Police has issued fresh directives to all puja pandals across the city, making adequate illumination inside pandals mandatory. Police stations have been instructed to inspect venues and ensure sufficient lighting arrangements, amid concerns that poor visibility inside the Chorbagan pandal may have contributed to the crowd crush that claimed 19 lives.
BJP Leaders Express Condolences Over Kolkata Stampede and Gwalior Incident
BJP leaders mourn the tragic incidents in Kolkata and Gwalior, calling for strict action against those responsible and support for affected families. BJP Leaders Express Condolences Over Kolkata Stampede and Gwalior Incident
BJP MLA's 'Mistakes Happen' Remark On Kolkata Stampede Triggers Row
A BJP MLA has sparked controversy with his remarks on the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede that claimed 19 lives, saying othing is foolproof and that mistakes happen. The comments drew criticism amid the ongoing probe into the tragedy, with political opponents calling the remarks insensitive as investigators examine alleged lapses in crowd management and safety arrangements.
Kolkata Stampede: 'Should Not Have Happened,' Says Dilip Ghosh as Probe Continues
Reacting to the deadly Durga Puja stampede in Kolkata, Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh termed the incident unfortunate and said it should never have happened. He stated that the government has made all possible arrangements to support the victims and assist grieving families.
Chorbagan tragedy: Bengal CM seeks SIT probe under HC judge, reviews safety lapses
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to probe the tragic incident at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata that left 19 people dead, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on...
The Chief Minister announced that new crowd management guidelines will be drawn after the stampedes lesson.
Kolkata Stampede News | CCTV Captures The Horror At The Durga Puja Stampede That Killed 19
Shocking visuals from the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede show scenes of panic as devotees scramble amid a sudden crowd surge at the packed pandal. The video captures the chaotic moments during the crush, with the tragedy reigniting questions over crowd management, safety arrangements and emergency response at one of the city's busiest puja venues.
Video Shows Moment Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede Broke Out, Killing 19
The video showed the moment a stampede broke out at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening, leaving 19 people dead.
Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks
A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal led to 19 fatalities and 25 injuries. A committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will investigate the incident. Compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh will be given to each family of the deceased. Inspections of Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata are being conducted to enhance safety measures.
22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across metro cities on October 18
Watch: Dilip Ghosh on Kolkata pandol stampede : Such incidents should not happen
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh calls the Kolkata pandol stampede unfortunate, saying such incidents should not happen. He says organisers must take greater precautions and the government has made arrangements to assist the injured and grieving families.
Kolkata Stampede Video Captures Panic As Crowd Surge Triggers Chaos At Pandal
Shocking visuals from the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede show scenes of panic as devotees scramble amid a sudden crowd surge at the packed pandal. The video captures the chaotic moments during the crush, with the tragedy reigniting questions over crowd management, safety arrangements and emergency response at one of the city's busiest puja venues.
Pandal will collapse: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19
A microphone announcement warning that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata could collapse may have triggered panic, contributing to a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday. Police are examining a video of the warning while investigating alleged crowd-management lapses, confusing announcements and the sudden rush for shelter from rain.
Watch: Amit Shah visits hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede that killed 19 people and left 25 injured. Accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Shah was expected to speak to doctors and review the treatment of the injured.
Kolkata Puja Pandal Stampede Kills 19, Injures 25; Probe Ordered
KOLKATA, Oct 17: At least 19 people were killed and 25 injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening amid heavy crowding and rain on Maha Saptami. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a Group D government job for the [] The post Kolkata Puja Pandal Stampede Kills 19, Injures 25; Probe Ordered appeared first on Northlines .
Bengal Governor RN Ravi visits Kolkata pandal stampede victims
The News Mill
Opposition's 'low-level acts' reinforce need for PM Modi's leadership: Kangana Ranaut
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Sunday criticised Opposition parties over calls for regime change, saying their actions reinforce the need for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong leadership. Citing unrest in France and global conflicts, she also condoled the deaths of 19 people in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata.
Kolkata pandal tragedy: Amit Shah meets victims of Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede
Kolkata Stampede: Kangana Ranaut Slams Opposition, Backs Modi's Leadership
The BJP MP criticises opposition leaders over their regime-change remarks and urges people to avoid overcrowded festival venues following the Kolkata stampede.
Kolkata Stampede Probe Widens: Amit Shah Meets Victims, 7 Arrested So Far
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited injured victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede at Apollo Hospital as the investigation into the tragedy gathered pace. Police have arrested seven people, including members of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja Committee, while investigators examine allegations of crowd-management lapses
Telangana BJP Chief Seeks Probe Into Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede
N Ramchander Rao condoles the deaths of 19 people and calls for accountability as police arrest seven people in connection with the tragedy.
TMC demands accountability over Kolkata stampede, alleges BJP links
The News Mill
Leaders Express Grief Over Kolkata Stampede During Durga Puja, Blame Administrative Failures
Leaders across India mourn the loss of lives in a Kolkata stampede, attributing the tragedy to administrative failures during Durga Puja. Leaders Express Grief Over Kolkata Stampede During Durga Puja, Blame Administrative Failures
West Bengal CM meets after Kolkata Durga Puja stampede kills 19
The News Mill
12 of 14 Kolkata pandal stampede patients stable, most to be discharged Monday
The News Mill
Kolkata MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahto expresses sorrow over Durga Puja tragedy, assuring government support and compensation for victims families. Kolkata MP Expresses Condolences Amid Durga Puja Tragedy, Government Offers Support to Victims Families
Authorities have detained several people over a deadly stampede in India's eastern city of Kolkata, after the state vowed strict action.
Kolkata pandal stampede: Authorities arrested several individuals connected to the stampede at Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. The incident resulted in 19 fatalities and many injuries needing treatment. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured in hospitals. Compensation for families of the deceased and injured has been announced by the state government.
Watch: Amit Shah visits Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal
Jamia Millia Islamia students entered the campus amid police detentions, demanding restoration of the students union after the administration sealed the university gates, AISA said.
What happened at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday was tragic. The incident left as many as 19 persons dead and many others injured. The dead include a student, a nurse and many women.
Pandal will collapse: Announcement that may have triggered Kolkata stampede; watch
A stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal, leading to 19 fatalities and multiple injuries. Panic ensued after a warning announced the potential collapse of the pandal, contributing to the chaos. Police investigations revealed issues with crowd management and inadequate announcements during the event. The government has promised compensation for the victims' families and is reviewing safety protocols at puja pandals.
Arvind Kejriwal offers condolences after Kolkata Durga Puja stampede
The News Mill
UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders safety inspections at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
The News Mill
Chor Bagan Stampede: Announcement Warning Of Pandal Collapse Led To Stampede
A warning that a Durga Puja pandal could collapse sparked panic among visitors in Kolkata on Saturday evening, leading to a stampede that killed 19 people. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the announcement made inside the pandal appears to
Kolkata stampede: CM Adhikari appeals to Oppn not to play politics over tragedy
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 18 (IANS)West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday issued an appeal to the opposition parties in the state, requesting them to refrain from doing politics and making politically loaded statements in connection with the tragic stampede at the community Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, where 19 people lost their lives. At the same time, he gave a call for all to work together in this moment of crisis. I do not want to do politics over this issue. I am also requesting the opposition parties to refrain from doing so. I first received information about this tragedy from the Kolkata Police Commissioner at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday. I want to work together with all in this atmosphere of mourning, the Chief Minister told media persons. Without naming any particular political party, the Chief Minister said that politics over the tragedy on the part of a political party which ruled the state earlier was not acceptable, considering so many disasters killing a greater number of people during their tenure. To substantiate his point on this issue, the Chief Minister also referred to tragedies like collapse of the Posta Bridge, part of the Vivekananda Road flyover in North Kolkata on March 31, 2016, killing seven people and injuring over 80; the collapse of a portion of Majerhat Bridge in South Kolkata on September 4, 2018 and stampede at a fare at Panihati in North 24 Parganas district in July 2022. During the monsoon before the Durga Puja last year, as many as 13 persons died after getting electrocuted while coming in touch with submerged electricity wires in Kolkata. What was the former Chief Minister doing then? Last year, so many people died in a flash flood in North Bengal in October. Then the state administration was busy with a carnival in Kolkata, CM Adhikari said. He also said that the families of the deceased have expressed their trust in him. I had tears in my eyes when these families held my hand. I also apologised. They also cried and said they have trust in this government, the Chief Minister said. On Saturday, immediately after the tragedy, Trinamool Congresss Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, issued a social media message where he lambasted the current state administration over the tragedy. FIRST IN MY BLOODLINE! Shame on @KolkataPolice, @WBPolice and @SuvendyWB. May Maa Durga grant strength and solace to the grieving families and bless all those injured with a swift and complete recovery, Abhishek Banerjees social media post read.
Kolkata had been warned before. Chorbagan became the deadly reminder
Rain, narrow exits, false alert: What led to Kolkata Puja pandal stampede?
Police say inadequate crowd control, narrow entry and exit gates and a misleading announcement may have triggered panic at the Chorbagan pandal, leaving 19 dead and 25 injured
Amit Shah Meets Injured in Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede
The Union Home Minister visited the hospital where 14 injured people were being treated after a stampede at a north Kolkata pandal claimed 19 lives and left 25 injured.
Nitin Nabin offers condolences after Kolkata Durga Puja stampede kills 19
The News Mill
West Bengal to act after Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede
The News Mill
