Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Pandal Stampede: Kolkata Police Cancel VIP Passes, Tighten Security & Crowd Control At Puja Pandals

In the aftermath of a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, city police have announced several new measures aimed at ensuring crowd control and maintaining security. All VIP passes to visit the pandals have been cancelled, and food stalls will no longer be allowed at entry and exit points. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has issued instructions to all police stations in Kolkata, emphasizing the need for constant communication between police and security personnel.

Public address systems will be strictly controlled by the police, and at least one Police Constable will be present at each pandal. Entry and exit points will be kept empty, and adequate lighting inside the pandals and their surroundings is required. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has canceled his visit to Kolkata for the Durga Puja after the incident, which killed 19 people and injured 25.

Seven individuals, including organizers, have been arrested in connection with the stampede. The tragedy occurred when a portion of the exit gate structure collapsed, leading to a chaotic scene as thousands of devotees surged into the pandal area.