West Bengal Police detained 12 people, including organisers of the Chorebagan Durga Puja, on Saturday night after a stampede at the north‑Kolkata pandal killed 19 and injured 24.
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of Maha Saptami, as heavy rain triggered a surge of devotees into the cramped pavilion. A 45‑year‑old woman from Jadavpur was found unconscious in a crowd of 500, her family still huddled outside the temple gates.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who had warned of strict action, announced that a Special Investigation Team will probe the incident. Suvendu said the SIT, headed by a sitting Calcutta High Court judge, would examine CCTV footage and interview witnesses. The team will include members from the State Forensic Team, CID and the Anti‑Rowdy Section.
The SIT is expected to convene on July 2, after which it will file a report on the causes and recommend disciplinary action against those found at fault. Families of the 19 victims will receive compensation under the state's disaster relief scheme.