Source NDTV
Kolkata: In a major update to the heartbreaking Durga Puja pandal stampede, a local court has ordered 10-day police custody for seven accused individuals. The decision comes as police try to uncover exactly what led to the terrible rush that cost innocent lives during the city’s biggest festival.
The tragic event shocked the entire city, turning a night of celebration into one of deep sorrow. Now, the focus has shifted to finding out who is responsible and making sure such a disaster never happens again.
What Happened at the Pandal?
During the final days of the Durga Puja festival, massive crowds gathered to see one of Kolkata’s most famous pandals. The decorations were a major attraction, drawing thousands of men, women, and children. However, things quickly went out of control.
Eyewitnesses say the entry and exit gates were too narrow for the huge sea of people. When a sudden rumor spread through the crowd, panic broke out. People began pushing and running to get out, leading to a deadly stampede. Many people, including elderly citizens and children, were caught in the crush and fell to the ground.
The Arrest and Court Order
Following the tragic night, the local police launched a strict investigation. They arrested seven people connected to the event. These individuals include the main organizers of the pandal and the private security managers who were supposed to control the crowd.
When the accused were brought before the court, the police asked for time to question them. The judge agreed and sent all seven to police custody for 10 days. The police argued that they need this time to check documents, watch security camera videos, and find out if the organizers ignored basic safety rules just to sell more VIP passes.
Families Demand Justice
For the families who lost their loved ones, this festival season has brought nothing but tears. Many relatives gathered outside the police station, demanding strict punishment for those who failed to manage the crowd safely.
“We came to pray and celebrate. We never thought we would go home without our family members,” said one crying relative. The public is deeply angry. Citizens are asking why the organizers did not work closely with the local police to manage the massive footfall.
Preventing Future Tragedies
This terrible accident has served as a wake-up call for city planners and festival committees. The city administration is now planning to make strict new rules for all future festivals.
Officials say that any pandal expecting a large crowd will now need special safety checks. Wide exit gates, clear emergency paths, and a fixed limit on how many people can enter at once will be made mandatory.
As the seven accused spend the next 10 days answering questions in lock-up, the people of Kolkata wait for justice. The city hopes that the ongoing investigation will bring out the truth and force organizers to put human lives above everything else.
