Kolkata stampede: Several major Durga Puja pandals suspend public entry temporarily

Kolkata: Several major Durga Puja organisers across Kolkata have temporarily suspended public entry to their pandals following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured. The closures were implemented in accordance with instructions from the administration.

Popular pujas, including Tala Prattoy, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojanin, have stopped allowing visitors into their pandals. The show at Allen Park on Kolkata's iconic Park Street has also been cancelled. Several puja pandals in the Salt Lake area have temporarily suspended public entry as well.

In a Facebook post, the Tala Prattoy Durga Puja committee said, "Tala Prattoy Pandal is closing for time being as per administrative instruction. We care for general public, enjoy puja in a safe manner."

The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Committee, led by BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh, has also restricted entry to its central Kolkata pandal and urged people to refrain from visiting the venue.

Meanwhile, police arrested seven people, including organisers, on Sunday in connection with the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, which killed 19 people.

A forensic team visited the site of the incident on Muktarambabu Street in north Kolkata on Sunday as part of the investigation. At least 25 injured people are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the puja pandal at around 1 am on Sunday and inspected the site, interacting with police personnel and organisers. The visit followed his meeting with the families of the deceased and injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

Adhikari announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh and a government job for the family of each deceased victim. He also ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.

The stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata as an unusually large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the idols. Panic and tension reportedly broke out among visitors after a portion of the exit gate structure collapsed.

The injured were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and two other state-run hospitals. Around 17 people were initially declared brought dead at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 injured people were admitted for treatment. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.

The death toll rose to 19 on Sunday. (IANS)