States » EastPosted at: Oct 23 2026 11:31PM


Kolkata's Chorbagan tragedy probe: forensic report points to alleged negligence by Puja organisers

Kolkata, Oct 23 (UNI) A forensic report has uncovered critical flaws in the air-conditioning system inside the ill-fated Chorbagan Durga Puja marquee, alongside evidence of alleged negligence by the organisers, city police sources claimed on Friday.
Nineteen people died and 25 others sustained injuries in a stampede at the Puja pandal in north Kolkata on the evening of October 17, casting a pall of gloom over the Durga Puja festivities in West Bengal.
Lalbazar sources indicated that forensic experts conducted a thorough examination of the interior of the Puja pandal and pointed out that, given its vast dimensions and the massive crowds that gathered on Saptami, a cooling capacity of 134 tonnes was entirely inadequate.
The experts' report noted that the pandal was packed well beyond its intended capacity, with thousands of visitors crammed inside. The 134-tonne air-conditioning system proved incapable of managing the immense body heat and accompanying humidity. Under the strain of the excessive crowd, the AC units reportedly ceased to function properly, and their cooling capacity collapsed.
The forensic report also highlighted alleged negligence on the part of the pandal organisers. According to the experts, the organisers failed to accurately assess the potential scale of the crowds during the Puja days. Instead of ensuring adequate ventilation and accounting for the massive influx of visitors, they merely installed the air-conditioning system, allegedly neglecting their responsibilities.
This created serious safety risks, including potential violations of safety protocols. A senior Kolkata Police official, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, "The entire incident is being investigated based on the findings of the report."
The administration and several experts have emphasised that visitor safety and crowd management must remain the top priorities at large Durga Puja pandals. UNI SSP NST CDS
Tags: #Kolkata's Chorbagan tragedy probe: forensic report points to alleged negligence by Puja organisers
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