Kolkata, 23 October (H.S.) :

Dim lighting combined with extremely narrow entry and exit lanes at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal created conditions where a disaster was almost inevitable under the pressure of a large crowd, according to retired Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati. Heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the tragic stampede that claimed 19 lives and left 25 injured on October 17, the former Calcutta High Court judge made these observations following a detailed site inspection.

Visiting the venue at the exact time the incident occurred to gauge the ambient conditions, Justice Saraswati stated that the spatial limitations made it obvious that a mishap would occur if a massive crowd gathered. She further noted that the investigation would actively scrutinize the specific roles and responsibilities of the Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in granting permissions for the structure. According to the SIT chairperson, police officers on the ground informed her that while an emergency exit was available, it had been kept closed at the time of the fatal rush.

The SIT will speak to everyone connected with the incident, including eyewitnesses and rescuers, and thoroughly examine the CCTV footage already seized as part of the investigation, Saraswati informed reporters. The probe will also ascertain whether the number of CCTV cameras installed at the venue was adequate for crowd monitoring. Clarifying the exact location of the tragedy, she stated that the stampede did not occur inside the main pandal structure but rather in front of its exit gate, where the available space proved woefully inadequate for the massive footfall.

To facilitate an unhindered investigation, the SIT chief directed that the pandal structure be preserved in its current condition until further orders. She assured that the customary immersion of the idols could proceed without dismantling the primary structure. Accompanied by Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, and Special Task Force (STF) Director General Jawed Shamim, Saraswati emphasized that the structural layout and the permissions granted by the police and fire brigade would be rigorously reviewed in light of the dangerously narrow entry and exit routes. A comprehensive site plan is currently being drafted to aid the inquiry.

The SIT's mandate also includes investigating the role of an individual who allegedly made a panic-inducing announcement over the public address system shortly before the stampede. The individual, who reportedly warned visitors to evacuate immediately claiming the pandal was at risk of collapsing due to rain and overcrowding, was detained by the police on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, other members of the SIT had visited the site, coordinating with police personnel and forensic experts. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the public that the SIT’s recommendations will be published transparently and stringent action will be taken based on its findings. Ensuring an impartial probe, the state government intentionally excluded officials from the Kolkata Police and KMC from the SIT. The investigative body has been given a three-month deadline to submit its final report.

Meanwhile, political reactions continue to pour in. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh demanded the immediate custodial interrogation of all members of the Chorbagan Durga Puja organizing committee, arguing that the real culprits would remain hidden unless the organizers face rigorous questioning. On the other hand, State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya commended the ongoing probe, asserting that a transparent and impartial investigation is underway under the Chief Minister's directives to determine if there was any criminal negligence on the part of the police, organizers, or private security agencies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh