Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity Puja pandal in Kolkata claimed at least 18 lives on Saturday evening. The Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) accused the BJP-led state administration and Kolkata Police of serious lapses in crowd management and emergency response.
In a series of posts on X, the MAITC cited accounts from local residents and eyewitnesses, alleging that police personnel and civic volunteers were not present in sufficient numbers to control the crowd. The party also questioned the availability of ambulances and other emergency arrangements at the site.
"No police, no civic volunteers, no ambulances, no crowd management! This is what local residents are stating in the wake of the tragic stampede at Chorebagan Puja Pandal."
MAITC seeks accountability over alleged lapses
The party demanded answers from Kolkata Police and the state administration, saying public safety could not be taken lightly.
"@KolkataPolice and the @BJP4Bengal administration must answer for these grave lapses. Public safety cannot be treated so casually. As the death toll rises, who will take responsibility? Will @SuvenduWB accept accountability and resign?"
The MAITC also linked the tragedy to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to Bengal.
"On the very day @AmitShah arrives, Bengal is confronted with this heartbreaking tragedy. Shameful state of affairs," it added.
In another post, the party questioned the security arrangements at the pandal and alleged that ordinary citizens had taken the lead in helping those injured.
"@KolkataPolice, WHERE WAS THE SECURITY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE WHEN PEOPLE NEEDED YOU MOST?"
It further asked, "How many more lives must be put at risk before the @BJP4Bengal administration answers for these failures? Why does public safety take a back seat while VIP arrangements receive priority?"
Mamata Banerjee expresses grief
Banerjee separately posted a message expressing sorrow over the incident and praying for those injured.
"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal."
"I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time," she added.
Police cite heavy crowds and rainfall
According to Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred around 7.40 pm at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) puja pandal under Girish Park Police Station. Police said heavy crowds amid rainfall led to the incident. The pandal was subsequently closed, and all injured people were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment.