West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has initiated an investigation into the temporary home guards assigned to a Durga Puja pandal in light of a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals and left 25 others injured. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, during a surge of crowds amid inclement weather. Adhikari has emphasised the need to scrutinise the actions of both the puja organisers and the authorities responsible for granting permissions for the event.

In response to the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is proposed to be led by a sitting judge from the Calcutta High Court, pending approval from the Chief Justice. This team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede, focusing on the roles of the temporary home guards, the organisers of the puja, and the officials who issued the necessary permits.

Adhikari has requested a list of the temporary home guards who were on duty at the pandal to assess their involvement in the unfortunate event. He noted that these home guards are not new recruits but have served in this capacity for the past three years, following their appointments in 2024 and 2025. The Chief Minister remarked on the challenges posed by the previous government, indicating a need for a thorough examination of the situation.

Details of the Incident and Initial Findings

The stampede reportedly occurred at the sole entry and exit point of the pandal, which was inadequately lit and became chaotic as rain began to fall. Adhikari expressed his concerns after visiting the site, stating that the disaster unfolded at a critical juncture where crowd control measures were insufficient. He highlighted that the home guards had used a hand-held rope to manage the crowd but abandoned this method when it started to rain, leading to further disorder.

During his visit, Adhikari encountered a home guard who was reportedly unable to communicate in Bengali, raising questions about the training and preparedness of the personnel deployed at the site. He emphasised the need for better crowd management protocols and expressed relief that the incident did not occur inside the pandal, where the consequences could have been far more severe.

Adhikari has also indicated that the puja organisers will bear responsibility for the incident, citing issues related to the event’s theme and overall organisation. He has placed the Kolkata Police and the fire services department under scrutiny, as they were responsible for issuing the necessary licences and should have identified potential hazards prior to the event.

Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations

In the wake of the stampede, the Kolkata Police have arrested seven individuals, including the secretary and vice-president of the puja committee, as well as two employees from a private security agency. These arrests are part of a broader investigation aimed at determining accountability for the tragic event.

The SIT will focus on the roles of the temporary home guards, the puja organisers, and the authorities responsible for granting permissions, as the investigation unfolds. The Chief Minister has reiterated the importance of accountability in ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.

The tragic events at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal have highlighted significant concerns regarding crowd management and safety protocols during large public gatherings. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the factors that contributed to this devastating incident.

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