Amid allegations that one particular Durga Puja committee is being harassed allegedly for choosing ‘Operation Sindoor’ as their theme for the festival this year, Kolkata Police has issued a clarification saying the letter was sent to that committee much before they announced the theme.

Established in 1936, Kolkata’s Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja is 89 years old. The puja is a major attraction in Kolkata and is organised by the Santosh Mitra Square club. The puja organisers have received a letter from Muchipara Police Station where they have been asked to submit a detailed plan covering some directives, and to arrange a meeting with police officials by June 25.

The letter asked the club to “compliance and mitigation measures” and asked the organisers to follow certain directives in the interest of public safety, security, and efficient crowd management for the upcoming festival.

Durga Puja organisers allege being harassed for Operation Sindoor theme

The organisers have alleged that they are being ‘harassed’ by Kolkata Police over the theme ‘Operation Sindoor’ for this year’s Durga Puja. State BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, who is one of the organisers of the Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojonin Durgatsav, told media earlier this week that the Muchipara Police Station sent a two-page letter to the club’s secretary after they announced Operation Sindoor as this year’s puja theme.

“We did not put up any advertisement or any billboard regarding our theme (Operation Sindoor). It was only a post on Facebook on Sunday and we got a two-page letter on Monday. This is nothing but to create disturbance,” Ghosh told PTI.

“It is very unfortunate. I don’t think any other big puja has got this notice. Those who have an allergy to the term ‘sindoor’ are the ones sending this notice,” the BJP leader further said.

Narratives circulating in public domain are factually incorrect and misleading: Kolkata Police

However, Kolkata Police has clarified in a social media post that the letter was sent to the Durga Puja committee much before they announced their theme! The official X handle of Kolkata Police’s DCP Central posted on Friday, “Certain statements and narratives circulating in the public domain regarding one Puja Committee under the jurisdiction of Muchipara Police Station are factually incorrect and misleading. For the sake of clarity, the following facts are placed on record:

1.The Officer-in-Charge, Muchipara Police Station, issued a letter on 14.05.2025, highlighting essential safety requirements in anticipation of the large crowd expected during Durga Puja. Notably, this communication was made well before the Puja theme was even announced.

2.A follow-up letter dated 17.06.2025 reiterated the need for strict compliance with crowd management protocols, including CCTV installation, proper barricading, and emergency access measures.

3.The President of the Puja Committee responded on 18.06.2025, acknowledging the concerns raised and expressing full willingness to cooperate with the police.

The police remain firmly committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors, and to maintaining public order. Efforts to create confusion or misrepresent facts only undermine the spirit of cooperation necessary for a smooth and successful celebration.”

Letter issued over serious public safety concerns: Police

Kolkata Police stated earlier this week that the letter to the Durga Puja Committee has been issued due to serious public safety concerns based on last year’s experience. The letter mentions, “During last year’s celebrations, a massive influx of devotees gathered at the venue. Due to non-compliance with the issued guidelines, public safety was compromised. A near-stampede situation arose, endangering lives.”

What happened last year?

Protest demanding #JusticeforRGKar at Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal

In 2024, the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata became a site of protest, with visitors chanting slogans demanding justice for a junior doctor, who was a victim of rape and murder at RG Kar Hospital. The pandal, known for its elaborate themes, was decorated to resemble the Las Vegas Sphere. The protests occurred amidst a large influx of visitors, leading to congestion and requiring police intervention to manage the crowds.