Brief
Seven arrested and 14 detained after Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede kills 19
Police named seven arrested individuals, including the puja committee secretary, and announced compensation for victims.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kolkata Police on Sunday arrested seven people and detained 14 others in connection with the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata that left 19 dead and 25 injured, according to the agency feed reported by News18.
The arrested include Raj Kumar Sewda alias Raja (48), the puja committee secretary; Santanu Dubey (55), the vice‑president; and Biplab Mukherjee alias Joy (48), who oversaw construction of a bamboo structure. The other five detainees are Koushik Saha (53), involved in crowd management and VIP‑pass checks; Pintu Dey (51), also in crowd management; Suman Chakraborty (30) and Rajesh Pal (29), both private‑security in‑charges.
Police registered a suo moto case under Sections 105, 110 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the organisers and others, and 14 people are being questioned. The West Bengal government announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each victim’s family and a job for each family as part of the relief package.
An investigation by a Special Task Force has been launched. In addition, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, was imposed in parts of the city for three days (Oct 18‑20). Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand ordered the restrictions in the Bowbazar police‑station area, banning unlawful assemblies of five or more persons, the carrying of lathis or dangerous weapons, and any acts likely to disturb public order.
The stampede occurred amid heavy crowds and rain, with the injured taken to hospitals for treatment.
Key facts
- Seven people were arrested, including the puja committee secretary and vice‑president. (news18.com)
- Fourteen individuals were detained and are being questioned. (news18.com)
- The stampede killed 19 people and injured 25. (news18.com)
- West Bengal announced Rs 25 lakh compensation and a job for each victim’s family. (news18.com)
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was imposed in parts of Kolkata for three days. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “West Bengal: 7 arrested, 14 detained after Kolkata pandal stampede kills 19”
