In a video message shared on social media on Saturday, Shah expressed solidarity with the protesting students, alleging that they were being subjected to administrative harassment, surveillance and threats for demanding accountability over incidents of alleged violence on campus.

His intervention comes as the SRFTI Students’ Union has announced a nationwide campus-based protest movement beginning October 27, seeking to unite students across educational institutions in defence of academic autonomy, freedom of expression and democratic rights.

In his video message, Shah alleged that the BJP was attempting to influence the ideological orientation of future filmmakers through intimidation and indoctrination.

“The BJP is attempting to secure the loyalty of the country’s future filmmakers—either through intimidation or by brainwashing them. The students of SRFTI are victims of this vendetta,” the actor said.

He alleged that students demanding accountability from the institute’s administration had instead been served show-cause notices and subjected to surveillance and threats.

Shah also criticised the directive asking students to vacate their hostels, describing the developments as part of a broader pattern of political retaliation against those opposing the BJP’s ideology.

Expressing confidence in the protesting students, he said these young filmmakers would eventually bring to light the realities of contemporary India through their creative work.
He urged conscientious citizens across the country to stand beside the students and defend their right to dissent.

Campus unrest following alleged attacks

The agitation at SRFTI began following a confrontation on September 27 during an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat on the institute’s Kolkata campus.

Students alleged that outsiders entered the premises and physically assaulted them. The organisation, however, disputed the allegations.

Tensions escalated further after students alleged another attack by outsiders on October 4, prompting questions about campus security and the administration’s response.

A section of the students subsequently launched a sit-in demonstration, demanding identification and legal action against those responsible for the alleged assaults, clarification from the authorities regarding accusations against students, and adequate security arrangements.

The protesters alleged that instead of addressing their grievances, the administration initiated disciplinary proceedings against students involved in the agitation.

They have also accused SRFTI Director Santosh Ajmera of acting against students’ interests and demanded his resignation.

Hostel closure order sparks fresh confrontation

The confrontation between students and the institute’s administration intensified after the authorities issued an order last Friday directing students to vacate the campus.

The administration extended the Durga Puja holidays until November 13 and ordered the closure of hostels and mess facilities.

However, a section of the protesting students refused to comply and continued their sit-in demonstration on campus.

The protesters have further alleged that the drinking water supply was disconnected amid the standoff, worsening conditions for those continuing the agitation.

Despite the restrictions, the students have maintained that they will not withdraw their protest until their demands are addressed.

Nationwide campus protests called from October 27

Against this backdrop, the SRFTI Students’ Union has called for a nationwide mobilisation beginning October 27, inviting students from universities, colleges and other educational institutions to participate.

The proposed movement seeks to bring together student organisations protesting against what they describe as increasing political interference, administrative repression and restrictions on democratic activities within educational institutions.

The union has placed a ten-point charter of demands at the centre of its campaign.

Among the principal demands are an end to the alleged “saffronisation” of educational institutions, revocation of expulsions imposed on protesting students, and withdrawal of the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, along with the National Education Policy 2020.

The students argue that institutional autonomy and the right to dissent are essential to preserving independent thought and democratic participation on campuses.

SRFTI students seek unity across institutions

The SRFTI Students’ Union has sought to link its agitation with controversies surrounding student protests at several prominent educational institutions across India.

It has referred to developments at Jamia Millia Islamia, IIT Bombay, Ambedkar University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Hyderabad, Pondicherry University and Jadavpur University.

According to the protesters, disputes at these institutions reflect broader concerns over political interference in academic affairs, appointments allegedly influenced by ideological considerations, and punitive measures against dissenting students.

They contend that such developments are gradually restricting democratic spaces within higher educational institutions.

Sudip Chakraborty, a student at SRFTI, said invitations were being extended to students and organisations across the country to participate in the proposed movement.

He said the objective was to bring campus-based protests under a common platform and build a coordinated nationwide resistance against measures perceived as undermining institutional independence.

Actor’s support boosts protesters’ morale

Shah’s public expression of solidarity has provided fresh encouragement to the protesting students, who have continued their agitation despite the administration’s directives.

Shubham, Vice-President of the SRFTI Students’ Union, welcomed the actor’s intervention.

“We are deeply heartened by the message of solidarity from the veteran actor. We hope for similar support from everyone else,” he said.

With the October 27 mobilisation approaching, the SRFTI agitation is now seeking to expand beyond the Kolkata campus into a broader student-led campaign over academic freedom and democratic rights.

The scale of participation from universities and educational institutions across the country will determine whether the ongoing confrontation at SRFTI develops into a wider nationwide movement.

For now, the protesting students remain firm in their demands, while Shah’s intervention has brought renewed public attention to the dispute over campus autonomy, administrative accountability and the right to dissent.

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Artistic Style and Materials

One of the most notable aspects of De’s work is his mastery over various materials, including wood, terracotta, bronze, and concrete. His sculptures often reflect a deep appreciation for folk imagery, depicting themes such as weavers, dancers, and everyday household tools. This diverse use of materials and subjects illustrates his unique artistic vision and invites viewers to explore the cultural narratives embedded in his creations.

Somak Mitra, the director and founder of Art Exposure, emphasises the importance of recognising De within the broader context of post-Independence Indian modernism. He states, “From Santiniketan, he inherited an approach to sculpture that encouraged experimentation rather than adherence to a predetermined artistic idiom.” This perspective highlights De’s innovative spirit and his commitment to exploring the boundaries of his medium.

De’s artistic evolution is evident in the timeline of his works. His wood sculptures, created during the 1950s and 1960s, showcase a period of exploration and development, while his terracotta pieces from the 1970s reflect a deeper engagement with form and texture. The concrete and bronze figures from the early 1980s mark a significant return to his roots at Santiniketan after a two-decade stint in Nigeria, where he taught art. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 52.

Significance of the Exhibition

This exhibition is not merely a revival of a forgotten name; it serves as an opportunity for audiences to engage with the innovative experiments and artistic possibilities that De’s work embodies. Mitra notes, “This is not simply an exercise in recovering a forgotten name. It is an opportunity to engage with the experiments and possibilities embodied in his work.” This statement underscores the exhibition’s aim to foster a renewed appreciation for De’s contributions to Indian art.

Running until November 17, the Figures of Resilience exhibition invites art enthusiasts and the general public to rediscover the significance of Surendranath De’s oeuvre. By highlighting his unique artistic journey, the exhibition seeks to position him more prominently within the narrative of modern Indian art, encouraging a broader understanding of the diverse influences that have shaped the field.

As visitors explore the exhibition, they are encouraged to reflect on the cultural and historical contexts that inform De’s work. The collection not only serves as a testament to his artistic talent but also as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Indian modernism, which encompasses a wide array of voices and styles. The Figures of Resilience exhibition is a significant step towards recognising and celebrating the contributions of artists like Surendranath De.

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Background of the Individuals

Mangal and Malati hail from West Bengal but were reportedly active in Jharkhand. Mangal, originally from Salboni in the Paschim Medinipur district, had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh placed on him by the Jharkhand Police. Malati, a resident of Gopiballavpur in Jhargram, had a reward of Rs 2 lakh for her arrest. According to Commissioner Nand, the couple was involved in Maoist operations primarily in the Saranda forest area of Jharkhand.

Commissioner Nand provided additional context about Mangal’s history, stating that he was closely associated with the deceased Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao, known as Kishenji. Mangal has faced six to seven criminal cases in Jharkhand. He reportedly joined the Maoist movement in 2010 when the People’s Committee was active in Salboni and relocated to Jharkhand after 2011-12.

Initially, Mangal was active in the Dalma region before shifting his focus to Saranda. Malati subsequently joined him in Jharkhand. Police have noted that the operational environment for Maoists in the Saranda region has become increasingly challenging, leading to a decline in their activities. This year alone, around 13 Maoists from West Bengal have been reported as active in that area, with several arrests made.

Reasons for Surrender

Mangal articulated the couple’s rationale for surrendering, stating, “Social transformation is not possible through armed struggle. We have decided to leave that path and return to the mainstream of society.” This statement reflects a significant shift in their perspective and underscores their intention to reintegrate into civil society.

The couple’s decision to surrender follows a trend, as earlier this year, Maoist leader Pushpa, also known as Shakuntala, surrendered to the Kolkata Police in June. Additionally, another individual, Sradhya Biswas, known as Bela, was apprehended in the Uttar Kashipur area in May. These developments indicate a potential shift in the dynamics of Maoist activities in the region.

Authorities have expressed hope that the couple’s surrender will encourage other Maoists to reconsider their involvement in armed struggle. The Kolkata Police have been actively working to counter Maoist influence in West Bengal and Jharkhand, and this surrender is viewed as a positive step towards reducing Maoist activities.

Future Implications

The surrender of Mangal and Malati could have broader implications for the Maoist movement in the region. As police continue their efforts to dismantle the operational capabilities of Maoist groups, the return of individuals like Mangal and Malati to mainstream society may serve as a catalyst for others to follow suit.

In light of the couple’s decision, law enforcement agencies are likely to enhance their outreach programmes aimed at rehabilitating former Maoists. These initiatives may focus on providing education, vocational training, and support to facilitate a smooth transition back into society.

Overall, the surrender of this Maoist couple represents a noteworthy event in the ongoing struggle against Maoist insurgency in India. It highlights the complexities of the issue and the potential for change through dialogue and reintegration into society.

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Incidents of vandalism targeting CPI(M) book stalls have been reported in areas such as Jadavpur, Haltu, and Kasba in Kolkata. The stall in Jadavpur has been highlighted as a significant site of contention. As has been customary in previous years, a CPI(M) book stall was established at Jadavpur 8B during the festival. According to accounts, police arrived with a bulldozer intending to demolish the stall but retreated after encountering resistance from CPI(M) supporters.

The unfolding events at the Jadavpur stall have sparked discussions within political circles, especially given that no such incidents were reported in previous years, despite the ongoing rivalry between CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This year’s developments have underscored the heightened tensions in the region.

Book Sales Flourish Despite Challenges

Despite the politically charged atmosphere, book sales at the CPI(M) stalls have reportedly thrived. At the Jadavpur stall alone, sales exceeded Rs 16 lakh, a notable achievement given the surrounding challenges. The presence of a steady stream of readers and their enthusiasm for purchasing books transformed the stall into a cultural hub during the festival.

A similar situation unfolded in Haltu, where attempts were allegedly made to dismantle a CPI(M) book stall in Ward No. 106. Nevertheless, sales continued, with organisers reporting that books worth around Rs 50,000 were sold during the festive period. While this figure was significantly lower than that of Jadavpur, supporters of the left-wing ideology argue that the importance of such stalls transcends mere financial metrics.

For many, these book stalls serve as platforms for engaging with the public, discussing political and social issues, and fostering a culture of reading. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty noted that the party has been setting up book stalls during Durga Puja since 1952, highlighting the historical significance of this initiative.

Resilience of CPI(M) Initiatives in Kasba

The situation in Kasba presented a different narrative, with reports alleging that the local book stall was removed and CPI(M) workers were attacked. However, the initiative persisted, leading to the establishment of a new stall in the garage of a local resident, Milan Banerjee. Even from this temporary location, sales reportedly reached approximately Rs 50,000.

Supporters assert that public interest in books remains robust and cannot be easily suppressed. They argue that if a roadside stall is unavailable, alternative venues, such as garages, can still serve as gathering places for readers. The sales figures from Jadavpur, Haltu, and Kasba, amounting to over Rs 16 lakh, around Rs 50,000, and another Rs 50,000 respectively, indicate a sustained interest in literature despite reported obstacles.

As the festivities of Durga Puja unfolded, it became evident that the allure of books was as compelling as the decorative pandals. Amidst the celebrations, the resilience of the CPI(M) book stalls highlighted a continuing engagement with literature and political discourse within the community.

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According to sources at Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, forensic experts who examined the interior of the puja pandal found that 24 air-conditioning units, with a combined cooling capacity of 134 tons, had been installed.

Despite the substantial cooling capacity, investigators reportedly concluded that the arrangements were inadequate considering the size of the pandal and the massive footfall expected during Saptami and Ashtami.

The findings have raised serious concerns over whether the organisers had properly assessed the cooling and ventilation requirements before allowing large crowds into the enclosed structure.

Excessive crowd rendered cooling system ineffective

The forensic report reportedly revealed that the pandal had become severely overcrowded, with thousands of visitors packed into the enclosed space, leaving little room for movement.
The enormous concentration of people generated excessive body heat and humidity, overwhelming the installed air-conditioning system. Under these conditions, the 134-ton cooling arrangement allegedly failed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Investigators are examining whether the excessive crowd density and inadequate cooling contributed to the deteriorating conditions inside the pandal before the deadly stampede.

Organisers under scanner over safety lapses

The forensic findings have also brought the role of the puja organisers under scrutiny.

Experts reportedly observed that the organisers had failed to adequately anticipate the scale of crowds during the peak festival days. Instead of ensuring sufficient ventilation and implementing effective crowd-control measures, they allegedly relied heavily on the air-conditioning system.

The apparent failure to assess crowd capacity and provide adequate ventilation has raised questions about compliance with essential safety protocols at the high-budget pandal.

A senior Kolkata Police official said, “The entire incident is being investigated based on the information that has emerged.”

Tragedy sparks demand for stricter safety measures

The Chorbagan tragedy has renewed concerns over crowd management, ventilation and emergency preparedness at large-scale Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata.

Administrative officials and experts have stressed that visitor safety must take precedence over elaborate decorations and expensive arrangements, particularly at pandals attracting thousands of visitors.

The forensic findings are expected to play a significant role in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths of 19 people.

Meanwhile, the tragedy has intensified demands for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, scientific assessment of crowd capacity and improved emergency arrangements to prevent similar disasters during future festivals.

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Tensions on campus have remained high following incidents of unrest reported on September 27 and further allegations of an attack on October 4. In a show of continued resolve, students carried out a late-night protest march through the campus on Wednesday—the day of Dashami—reiterating that their agitation will not cease until the administration resolves the core issues.

The rift between the administration and the student body widened significantly after the institute authorities expelled six students for two consecutive semesters. According to SRFTI management, the disciplinary action was taken in response to allegations that students harassed Director Santosh Ajmera and attempted to vandalize his office, including breaking windowpanes and disrupting utilities.

However, the Students’ Union has vehemently rejected these claims, labeling the allegations fabricated. Protesters maintain that their demonstrations have remained peaceful and accuse the administration of taking punitive steps without conducting a fair hearing.

Suspension of classes and hostel closure

Although classes were scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 21, following the Durga Puja holidays, the authorities decided to suspend all academic activities across the Film and Electronic & Digital Media (EDM) wings until November 13 due to the prevailing instability.

Adding to the friction, the administration previously issued a notice directing students to vacate the campus hostels within 24 hours. Officials have also dispatched emails to the parents of enrolled students, apprising them of the turmoil on campus and requesting their cooperation in restoring order.

Housing crisis and community kitchen initiative

Many students have openly defied the vacate order, refusing to leave the premises. The shutdown of hostel and mess facilities has created severe hardship for residents, particularly those who have traveled from distant states or come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Protesters point out that finding external accommodation and bearing daily food expenses off-campus poses an unsustainable financial burden.

In response to the closure of dining services, the protesting students took matters into their own hands by setting up a community kitchen on campus. Managing to gather supplies to cook and eat together, the initiative provided temporary relief; nevertheless, student representatives emphasized that such makeshift arrangements do not resolve the underlying systemic crisis.

Differing positions on investigation and resolution

The key demands of the student body remain unchanged:

• Resignation of Vice-Chancellor/Director Santosh Ajmera.

• Immediate revocation of the two-semester expulsion orders issued against the six students.

• Reopening of campus hostels and mess services.

• Identification and disciplinary action against those responsible for the violence on September 27 and October 4.

Speaking on behalf of the agitators, student representative Sudip Chakraborty stated, “Our demands remain the same. These issues must be resolved promptly.”

Conversely, institute authorities contend that a separate internal probe is unnecessary.

Management points out that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by Nabanna (the state secretariat) has already conducted a thorough inquiry into the incidents and submitted its report.

With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, academic activities remain suspended, leaving the future of the institute’s current term uncertain.

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चालाकी से छुपाई गई विदेशी मुद्रा

जांच के दौरान पता चला कि बैग के निचले हिस्से में चालाकी से विदेशी करेंसी छुपाई गई थी। यात्रियों ने अमेरिकी डॉलर को अखबार में लपेटकर रखा था, ताकि सुरक्षा बलों की नजर से बच सकें। तलाशी के दौरान एक यात्री के बैग से 74,900 अमेरिकी डॉलर और दूसरे यात्री के बैग से 45,000 अमेरिकी डॉलर बरामद हुए। इस तरह कुल 1,19,900 अमेरिकी डॉलर जब्त किए गए, जिसकी भारतीय कीमत लगभग 1 करोड़ 13 लाख 64 हजार रुपये आंकी गई है।

यात्रियों की पहचान और उनकी योजना

पूछताछ में सामने आया कि ये दोनों यात्री भूटान एयरलाइंस की फ्लाइट से बैंकॉक जाने की तैयारी में थे। यह जानकारी सुरक्षा बलों के लिए एक और चौंकाने वाला खुलासा था। दोनों यात्रियों ने विदेशी मुद्रा को छुपाने के लिए जो तरीका अपनाया, वह उनकी योजना को दर्शाता है। CISF ने दोनों यात्रियों और बरामद करेंसी को आगे की कानूनी कार्रवाई के लिए कस्टम्स विभाग की एयर इंटेलिजेंस यूनिट (AIU) के हवाले कर दिया। कस्टम्स की कार्रवाई के तहत, 74,900 डॉलर के साथ पकड़े गए मुख्य यात्री को 20 अक्टूबर को आगे की कानूनी कार्यवाही के लिए जिला और सत्र न्यायालय में पेश किया गया।

सुरक्षा जांच का महत्व, दूसरे यात्री की स्थिति

इस घटना ने एयरपोर्ट पर सुरक्षा जांच की महत्ता को फिर से उजागर किया है। सुरक्षा बलों की सतर्कता और चेकिंग प्रक्रिया ने एक बड़ी वित्तीय धोखाधड़ी को पकड़ने में मदद की। ऐसे मामलों में त्वरित कार्रवाई से न केवल तस्करों को रोका जा सकता है, बल्कि देश की अर्थव्यवस्था को भी सुरक्षित रखा जा सकता है। वहीं, 45,000 डॉलर के मामले में शामिल पाए गए दूसरे यात्री को डिटेंशन रसीद जारी करने के बाद कस्टम्स ने छोड़ दिया। यह मामला कस्टम्स के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण चुनौती बन गया है, क्योंकि यह विदेशी मुद्रा तस्करी के खिलाफ उनके प्रयासों को दर्शाता है।

भविष्य में सुरक्षा उपाय

इस प्रकार की घटनाओं को रोकने के लिए एयरपोर्ट पर सुरक्षा उपायों को और मजबूत करने की जरूरत है। CISF और कस्टम्स विभाग को मिलकर काम करना होगा ताकि भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाएं न हों। यात्रियों को भी यह समझना चाहिए कि ऐसी गतिविधियों में शामिल होना कानून के खिलाफ है और इसके गंभीर परिणाम हो सकते हैं। इस घटना ने एक बार फिर से यह साबित कर दिया है कि सुरक्षा बलों की सतर्कता और प्रभावी जांच प्रक्रिया कितनी महत्वपूर्ण है। भविष्य में ऐसे मामलों से निपटने के लिए ठोस कदम उठाने की आवश्यकता है।

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The decision comes a day after Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agrawal wrote to the Chief Justice, seeking the nomination of a sitting High Court judge to head a high-powered inquiry committee into the October 17 tragedy at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal.

Chief Justice Ghuge clarified that, in view of previous directives issued by the Supreme Court, a sitting High Court judge could not be appointed to head such an inquiry commission.

The Chief Justice, however, made it clear that the state government was free to select a retired judge and entrust the judicial inquiry to that person.

The clarification means that the state government will now have to identify a retired judge to head the proposed commission, which is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the stampede and determine whether negligence or administrative lapses contributed to the tragedy.

CM Had promised independent judicial inquiry

Chief Minister Suvendu Ahikari had announced a judicial inquiry shortly after the stampede, assuring that the investigation would be conducted independently and that those responsible would face action.

To ensure impartiality, Adhikari had declared that no representatives of Kolkata Police, the Fire Department or the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) would be included in the inquiry committee.

The state government had planned to constitute a high-powered committee headed by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court. However, following the Chief Justice’s clarification, the government will have to revise its proposed composition.

The government has maintained that necessary action will be taken on the basis of the findings and recommendations of the judicial inquiry commission.

No one will be spared if found guilty: CM

Following the October 17 disaster, Adhikari had asserted that no individual found responsible for the tragedy would be spared, irrespective of whether they belonged to the Puja organising committee or the police administration.

The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the stampede, including possible lapses in crowd management and safety arrangements at the pandal.

The tragedy, which left 19 people dead and several others injured, has raised serious questions over crowd-control measures and coordination among the agencies responsible for public safety during major festivals.

Rs 25 Lakh compensation, government job for victims’ families

The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance and rehabilitation measures for the affected families.

Under the compensation package, the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person, along with a Group-D government job for one member of each bereaved family.

Those injured in the stampede will receive financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each, while the state government will bear their medical expenses.

With the Chief Justice ruling out the appointment of a sitting judge, attention has now shifted to the state government’s next move in constituting the judicial inquiry commission.

The commission’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in fixing accountability for one of the deadliest tragedies associated with this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.

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Among the 19 deceased are 13 women and a seven-year-old child. The findings have brought into sharp focus the intensity of the crowd pressure that turned the festive gathering into a tragedy on Saturday night.

According to police sources familiar with the preliminary autopsy findings, at least eight victims sustained multiple rib fractures under the enormous pressure exerted by the crowd. In several cases, the fractured bones punctured the lungs, resulting in critical internal injuries.

The report also mentions ruptured lungs, fractures of the upper and lower limbs, and severe damage to internal organs. Some victims suffered kidney injuries, while others sustained serious head trauma that triggered intracranial bleeding and brain haemorrhages.

The nature and extent of the injuries suggest that several victims were subjected to extreme physical compression during the stampede, leaving them with little chance of escaping the crush.

Seven died of traumatic asphyxia

The preliminary findings indicate that at least seven people died from asphyxiation caused by intense crowd pressure.

Medical experts describe this condition as traumatic asphyxia, which occurs when severe external compression of the chest and upper body prevents normal breathing and impedes the return of blood to the heart. The resulting oxygen deprivation can prove fatal within minutes.

Investigators believe the victims were trapped in such tightly packed conditions that the pressure on their bodies made normal respiration impossible.

The seven-year-old child who died in the tragedy also suffered multiple injuries. The preliminary postmortem report identified asphyxiation as the cause of the child’s death.

Autopsies conducted at three medical colleges

Postmortem examinations of 17 victims were conducted at the police morgue of Calcutta Medical College. The seven-year-old child’s autopsy was performed at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, while the remaining victim’s body was examined at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital.

Following the examinations and identification by family members, the bodies were handed over to their relatives.

The deceased included residents of Kolkata and several other districts of West Bengal, besides visitors who had travelled from other states to participate in the Durga Puja festivities.

The death toll from the Saturday night stampede at Chorabagan has reached 19, while 25 others sustained injuries. Of the injured, one remains in critical condition.

The tragedy, which unfolded during the Saptami celebrations, has raised serious questions about crowd management and safety arrangements at heavily attended Durga Puja gatherings.

The preliminary medical findings indicate that the victims suffered not merely from falls or trampling but also from the crushing pressure of the crowd, which caused extensive skeletal and internal organ damage.

Fact-finding committee formed, CCTV footage under scrutiny

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

The Chief Minister has asserted that those found responsible for the incident will not be spared.

Police sources said investigators have already obtained CCTV footage of the incident. The recordings are being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine how the crowd crush developed.

Further action will be initiated on the basis of the footage and the findings of the investigation, sources said.

The preliminary postmortem findings are expected to form a crucial part of the investigation as authorities seek to establish the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest tragedies of this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

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The event occurred late in the evening on October 17, roughly between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM, near the exit perimeter of the prominent Suruchi Sangha pandal. The 21-year-old complainant was actively fulfilling her volunteer responsibilities at the location when the officer allegedly subjected her to unwanted physical contact.

Prompted by a formal written report submitted by the victim, authorities at the New Alipore Police Station initiated legal action by registering Case No. 202 on October 18, 2026. The charges have been filed under Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The individual in custody has been recognized as Assistant Sub-Inspector Kabirul Islam—alternatively documented in administrative files as Kabirul Hasan Mondal—aged 50. He is stationed with the 3rd Battalion, ‘B’ Company of the Kolkata Armed Police. Law enforcement representatives verified that the suspect’s relatives have been formally notified as the investigation.

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