Seven individuals arrested in connection with a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in West Bengal that killed 19 and injured 25; compensation announced for the families of the deceased.
A local court remanded seven people, including the secretary and vice-president of the puja committee, along with two employees from a private security agency, to ten days of police custody today. The arrests follow a stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal last evening, which was triggered by a surge in the crowd amid rain and resulted in 19 fatalities and 25 injuries.
Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in connection with the incident. As a response, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the formation of a high-level committee to review safety arrangements at major Durga Puja pandals across the state.
The West Bengal government has pledged compensation of 25 lakh rupees and a job for the family of each deceased person. In addition, the Centre has announced an ex-gratia payment of two lakh rupees to the next of kin of the deceased individuals, and fifty thousand rupees to those who were injured.
An investigation by the Special Task Force has also been initiated to ascertain accountability for the incident.
Source:
Akashvani News
