Kolkata: After the tragic accident that took place during Durga Puja in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, the police has intensified action. Twelve people have been detained in connection with the stampede that broke out at the Sarvajanin Durga Puja pandal located in Chorbagan area of North Kolkata on Saturday evening. Some organizers of the puja committee are also said to be included in these. Police is interrogating everyone so that the cause of the accident can be found out. 19 people died in this incident, while many others were injured.
Situation worsened due to rain and crowd
This incident happened at around 7:40 pm on Saturday evening in Girish Park police station area. It is being told that a large number of people had reached the Durga Puja pandal for darshan. Meanwhile, the situation worsened when it started raining. Some people waiting outside the pandal started moving inside. Due to increasing pressure of the crowd, many people fell and within no time there was chaos.
As soon as information about the accident was received, police, fire department, disaster management team and medical staff reached the spot. The injured were immediately admitted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. The administration has closed the pandal to the general public after the accident.
Chief Minister announced compensation
Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the victim's families and a government job to one member of the family. He said that an impartial investigation will be conducted into the accident. For this, steps will be taken towards constituting a Special Task Force (STF) under the supervision of the present judge.
The Chief Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Chief Secretary Manoj Aggarwal, Health Minister and other senior officials reached the hospital and took stock of the treatment arrangements.
Police issued helpline numbers
According to eyewitnesses, many people became unconscious during the stampede. Some injured were taken to the hospital with the help of motorcycles. After the incident, questions are being raised regarding security arrangements and crowd control. Police are now trying to find out whether adequate security arrangements were made during the event or not. The administration has issued helpline numbers 18003455678 and 03322141310 for assistance and information. Responsibility for the accident is expected to be decided after investigation.