Calcutta High Court Orders Judicial Inquiry into Chorbagan Durga Puja Stampede

Court Mandates Independent Probe

The Calcutta High Court has officially ordered an inquiry into the stampede incident that occurred at a Durga Puja pandal in the Chorbagan area of Kolkata. The court has directed that the investigation be conducted by a retired judge to ensure impartiality and transparency in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Background of the Incident

The incident took place during the height of the Durga Puja festivities, a time when thousands of devotees flock to various pandals across the city. Reports indicate that overcrowding at the Chorbagan site led to a chaotic situation, resulting in injuries among the attendees. The court's intervention follows public concern regarding the adequacy of crowd control measures and safety arrangements at high-traffic religious venues.

Scope of the Inquiry

The judicial inquiry is expected to focus on several critical areas, including:

• Identifying lapses in crowd management and security protocols.
• Reviewing the permissions and safety clearances granted to the pandal organizers.
• Determining accountability for the failure to prevent the stampede.
• Recommending stricter guidelines for future public gatherings during major festivals.

The court has emphasized that the findings of the retired judge will be instrumental in preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Next Steps

The state administration and local authorities are expected to cooperate fully with the inquiry commission. The court has requested a comprehensive report, which will be reviewed to decide on further legal or administrative actions. As the investigation proceeds, officials have reiterated their commitment to enhancing safety standards for all public events in West Bengal.