Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced a fact-finding probe into the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that left 17 people dead and 35 injured. He also directed police to question those responsible for safety arrangements at the venue.
Speaking in a telephonic interview, Adhikari said the incident occurred between 7.30 pm and 8 pm. One or two of the injured were in critical condition, he said, adding that the government was making arrangements to ensure proper medical treatment for all those affected.
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The Chief Minister said the immediate priorities were to support the families of those killed, ensure adequate treatment for the injured and help them return home safely after recovery.
“Every person’s life has a lot of value. Human life is much more valuable than themes,” Adhikari said, urging Durga Puja committees across West Bengal to cooperate with the police and address shortcomings in crowd management, particularly at entry and exit points.
POLICE TO QUESTION SAFETY OFFICIALS, PRESERVE CCTV FOOTAGE
Adhikari said Kolkata Police had been directed to detain and question members of the puja committee and those responsible for safety at the venue, including personnel involved in private security arrangements and police deployment.
He also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the site to assist the investigation.
A forensic team, the Special Task Force (STF) and fire brigade personnel had reached the spot, the Chief Minister said. He appealed to political parties and the media to stay away until forensic examinations were completed to prevent evidence from being disturbed.
The proposed fact-finding committee will examine the circumstances leading to the incident, Adhikari said, adding that the government wanted to establish the cause as soon as possible.
BENGAL GOVERNMENT POSTPONES SUNDAY’S PROGRAMMES
Adhikari said all scheduled programmes of the West Bengal government for Sunday had been postponed. Engagements planned with Union Home Minister Amit Shah were also deferred.
He said the decision was taken to prioritise treatment for the injured and support for the families of those who lost their loved ones.
The Chief Minister also urged Durga Puja organisers across the state to review their crowd management arrangements and correct any shortcomings, particularly at exit gates.
Referring to pandals where dim lighting is used as part of thematic displays, Adhikari cautioned organisers against allowing artistic presentations to compromise public safety.
“Human life is much more valuable than themes,” he said, calling for closer cooperation between puja committees and the police to prevent similar incidents.
Adhikari assured the affected families of all possible assistance and said the injured would receive appropriate medical care. The exact cause of the stampede is yet to be established through the proposed investigation.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
