Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his remaining scheduled Durga Puja pandal visits after a stampede at the Chorbagan pandal in north Kolkata killed at least 19 people and injured 25 others. Shah travelled to the affected area and visited the hospital where 14 injured people were receiving treatment.

Shubhendu Adhikari accompanied Shah during the hospital visit. A state government official said Shah spoke with doctors, reviewed the treatment of the injured and interacted with patients. Before reaching the hospital, Shah offered prayers at Kalighat temple.

Police case and arrests

Police registered a case of culpable homicide after taking suo motu cognisance of the incident. 7 people, including an organiser, have been arrested in connection with the stampede.

Security restrictions were tightened around the pandal and nearby roads in the Baubazar police station area. Police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 would remain in force in the designated area until 20 October.

What police say happened

A senior Kolkata Police officer said heavy rain during the Mahasaptami celebrations was followed by poor crowd management and announcements that may have caused panic. The officer said the assessment was based on circumstantial evidence and statements from local residents and eyewitnesses.

According to the officer, the venue did not have adequate arrangements to control the crowd. Police also found that the number of personnel deployed at the site, including police officers and private security guards, was insufficient.

The officer said announcements about entry, exit and the movement of people were not adequate. Amid pressure from the crowd, visitors may have become confused, worsening the situation.

Police are also examining a video of an announcement telling people to leave the pandal because its structure was allegedly about to collapse. Investigators are trying to establish who made the announcement and why it was made.

The stampede occurred on Saturday evening as the crowd increased suddenly during rain at the north Kolkata Durga Puja pandal. The police inquiry is examining crowd control, security deployment and the announcements made at the venue.

Conclusion

The verified toll stands at at least 19 deaths and 25 injuries. Shah has cancelled his scheduled pandal visits, while police have arrested 7 people and imposed security restrictions as the investigation continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many people died in the Kolkata pandal stampede?

At least 19 people died, according to the supplied report.

Q. How many people were injured?

The incident left 25 people injured. Fourteen injured people were being treated at the hospital visited by Shah.

Q. What did Amit Shah do after the incident?

He cancelled his scheduled Durga Puja pandal visits, visited the hospital and interacted with doctors and injured people.

Q. Who accompanied Shah at the hospital?

Shubhendu Adhikari accompanied him.

Q. How many people have been arrested?

Police arrested 7 people, including an organiser.

Q. What case did police register?

Police registered a culpable homicide case after taking suo motu cognisance of the incident.

Q. What factors are police examining?

Police are examining crowd management, security deployment, rain, and announcements about the pandal's entry, exit and safety.