Kolkata, Oct 18 (V7N)- The death toll from a stampede at a temple in the Chorbagan area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, has risen to 19, while at least 25 others have reportedly been seriously injured and are receiving treatment.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 pm local time on Saturday, October 17, during Mahasaptami celebrations for Durga Puja, when large crowds gathered to view idols at the temple.
According to eyewitnesses, thousands of devotees had assembled at the temple premises. When heavy rain suddenly began, panic and confusion spread among the crowd. People standing in the queue reportedly began pushing forward in an attempt to escape the rain, causing severe pressure at the front of the line.
Several devotees, including women and children, lost their balance and fell over one another, triggering the stampede and resulting in multiple casualties.
Following the incident, Kolkata Police reportedly registered a case involving allegations of culpable homicide linked to negligence and mismanagement.
On Sunday, October 18, police arrested seven people, including several senior officials of the Chorbagan Puja Committee. Authorities have launched an investigation into whether inadequate security arrangements and insufficient emergency exits contributed to the tragedy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited a private hospital in Kolkata on Sunday morning to meet the injured. He also postponed several scheduled engagements in the city in view of the situation.
The investigation is expected to examine the crowd-control measures and emergency arrangements in place at the temple when the stampede occurred.
END/SMA/AJ
