12 detained, SIT formed to probe Kolkata Durga Puja stampede that killed 19

An injured person on a stretcher at Kolkata Medical College, following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

Organisers of the Chorebagan Durga Puja have been detained by police, including 12 others on Saturday night after a stampede in north Kolkata on Saturday. At least 18 people were killed and 24 others were injured, a police officer said.

The detentions came hours after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari promised strict action against anyone found responsible for lapses that allegedly led to crowd mismanagement at the pandal.

The stampede occurred at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening, during Maha Saptami, following a surge in the crowd amid rain.

CM Adhikari sets up SIT to investigate stampede

“We have detained 12 people in connection with our probe into the Chorebagan incident. Our officers are talking to them to find out the cause that led to today’s mishap. If any lapses are found, we will act as per the law,” the officer told PTI.

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said a special investigation team (SIT), headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court, would investigate the incident. The team will include members of the Special Task Force (STF), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other departments.

“Nobody will be spared,” the Chief Minister said.

The Anti-Rowdy Section of Kolkata Police has collected CCTV footage from the site. Adhikari said the footage would be examined and action taken against anyone found to have failed in crowd management, including puja committee members, homeguards, temporary workers, police personnel or private security guards.