Kolkata Stampede: SIT Formed After 19 Deaths As 14 Detained
· India · Times of India, Hindustan Times
West Bengal minister Umesh Rai announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe security lapses following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. The tragedy resulted in 19 fatalities and left 25 people hospitalised at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. A forensic team visited the site while police detained 14 individuals, including puja committee members, police officers, and private security staff, for questioning. Officials stated that a sudden downpour caused visitors to rush inside for shelter while those inside struggled to exit the dark, themed pandal. Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari noted that preliminary information suggested announcements and whistle-blowing by a private security agency may have triggered the panic.
Why it matters
The tragedy places intense scrutiny on event safety regulations, crowd control accountability, and administrative oversight during major public festivals in India.
Read the original report — Times of India
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