Kolkata pandal stampede: Mamata Banerjee expresses 'shock and grief', TMC alleges poor crowd management

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over a tragic stampede in Kolkata that claimed at least 17 lives. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) blamed poor crowd management and inadequate police presence for the disaster at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity puja pandal. The party criticized the lack of police, civic volunteers, ambulances, and proper crowd control at the event.

Mamata Banerjee called on the BJP and the local administration to answer for the "grave lapses" in public safety, questioning whether Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari would accept responsibility and resign.

Eyewitnesses and locals reported a significant lack of police presence during the stampede, highlighting the urgency for the Kolkata Police to answer for their failure to prevent the tragedy. The TMC emphasized the need for accountability and questioned why public safety was not prioritized over VIP arrangements. Banerjee also expressed her condolences to the injured and their families, praying for their speedy recovery.