19 LIVES LOST AT CHOREBAGAN: BENGAL GOVERNMENT SETS THREE-MONTH DEADLINE FOR STAMPEDE PROBE

October 29, 2026

KOLKATA, OCTOBER 29, 2026: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the findings of the investigation into the fatal Chorebagan Durga Puja stampede will be presented in the state Assembly within three months. The tragedy, which occurred on October 17 at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, claimed 19 lives.

The state government has constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Anindita Roy Saraswati, to investigate the incident. Kolkata Police are conducting a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Nine people have been arrested so far, including three members of the Puja committee. Investigators are examining allegations of negligence, inadequate crowd management, structural defects, poorly designed gates and failures in emergency response. Police have also questioned artist Susanta Shibani Paul.

Preliminary findings reportedly indicate that volunteers, private security personnel and committee members failed to alert the authorities promptly as the crowd became dangerously congested. Investigators are also examining the availability of functional CCTV cameras, evacuation arrangements and coordination among those responsible for managing visitors.

Witnesses described severe overcrowding near the pandal's exit, with some visitors reportedly struggling to breathe. Investigators are also assessing whether warnings about the growing crowd were adequately addressed before the situation escalated.

Addressing the Assembly, Adhikari assured legislators that those found responsible would not be spared. Meanwhile, a court has extended the custody of the accused by four days as the investigation continues.

The promised report is expected to examine the sequence of events leading to the stampede and recommend measures to strengthen crowd management and public safety at major religious gatherings.