Hyderabad, 18 October (H.S.): Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Sunday called for a thorough investigation into the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured, urging the authorities to fix responsibility and take action against those found accountable.

Describing the incident as a major tragedy, Rao conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He said the entire incident should be investigated and those responsible identified. Referring to the West Bengal government's response, he said the administration was concerned and that a proper inquiry was necessary to ensure accountability.

The stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata amid a heavy gathering of devotees. Kolkata Police have arrested seven people in connection with the incident. Those arrested include puja committee secretary Raj Kumar Sewda, alias Raja, vice-president Santanu Dubey, and Biplab Mukherjee, alias Joy, who was involved in the construction of a bamboo structure. The others were associated with crowd management, checking VIP passes and private security arrangements.

Police have registered a suo motu case under Sections 105, 110 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the organisers and others. Fourteen people have also been detained for questioning. The injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment.

The West Bengal government has announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a job for the family of each deceased person. A Special Task Force investigation has also been initiated to establish accountability. Meanwhile, restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, have been imposed in parts of Kolkata from October 18 to 20 to prevent possible disturbances. The restrictions cover an area under Bowbazar Police Station bounded by College Street, CR Avenue, Collotola Street and Eden Hospital Road, and prohibit unlawful assemblies of five or more people, carrying weapons and activities likely to disturb public peace.

In a separate political statement, Rao criticised opposition leaders over their remarks on regime change and comparisons with Bangladesh. He said India had a strong democratic tradition and accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making irresponsible statements and attempting to create unrest. His remarks came amid a political dispute over references to regime change during protests against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders and student activists have raised concerns over the revision, while BJP leaders have accused them of seeking to replicate the political upheaval witnessed in Bangladesh.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar