The West Bengal government has established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic stampede that occurred on October 17 near the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata. This incident resulted in the loss of 19 lives and left 25 others injured.

The SIT is chaired by retired judge Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati, and it is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government within three months. This decision was formalised through an order issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal on October 21. The government formed the SIT after consultations with the Calcutta High Court.

It ensures that all relevant departments and authorities will cooperate fully by providing necessary records and information for the inquiry. The SIT is tasked with conducting a “comprehensive, impartial and thorough inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding the incident. It has been granted the authority to undertake any additional investigations as deemed necessary, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

Composition and Responsibilities of the SIT

The SIT includes several key officials alongside Justice Roy Saraswati. Members consist of the principal secretary of the Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department, the director general and inspector general of police from the Special Task Force (STF), and a representative from the West Bengal police chief at the rank of additional director general.

Additionally, the team includes a representative from the Home and Hill Affairs Department and a member from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) based in Kolkata. The SIT will investigate the sequence of events leading to the stampede, focusing on the time, location, and circumstances that triggered the crowd surge. It will assess the number of attendees, crowd movement patterns, and whether the gathering exceeded the venue’s safe capacity.

The investigation will also consider various factors such as overcrowding, adverse weather conditions, gate management, and potential failures in crowd control measures. Furthermore, the team will review meteorological reports to understand how weather conditions may have influenced crowd behaviour. It will also examine public announcements, rumours, and other factors that could have intensified the situation. The SIT will scrutinise the adequacy of structural arrangements at the pandal, including emergency exits and barricades.

Assessment of Organisational Preparedness

The investigation will evaluate the preparedness and response of various stakeholders, including event organisers, private security personnel, volunteers, police, and medical services. The SIT will determine if the necessary permissions were secured and whether adequate crowd-management and disaster-management plans were in place.

In addition, the team will assess compliance with relevant laws and guidelines, including those set by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The SIT will investigate any lapses or negligence that may have contributed to the incident, identifying responsibility among the organisers, police, municipal authorities, and other involved agencies.

The inquiry will also focus on the assistance and compensation provided to the victims and their families, evaluating the adequacy of any ex-gratia payments announced. The SIT is expected to recommend measures to improve safety at large gatherings, particularly in congested areas, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Recommendations may include establishing scientifically assessed footfall limits, enhancing entry and exit routes, implementing CCTV surveillance, and improving emergency evacuation plans. The SIT aims to ensure effective coordination among relevant agencies to enhance public safety during large events.

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