12 detained, SIT formed to probe Kolkata Durga Puja stampede that killed 18

At least 18 people were killed and 24 injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday, following a surge in crowd numbers amid rain. Twelve individuals have been detained by police in connection with the incident, which has prompted West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the mishap.

The SIT will include members from various departments such as the Special Task Force, Criminal Investigation Department, and CID. Adhikari has vowed strict action against anyone found responsible for crowd mismanagement, stating that nobody will be spared. A review panel will also inspect crowd management, exit routes, and structural safety at prominent puja venues to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.