West Bengal has strengthened security arrangements for Durga Puja idol immersions following a deadly stampede at a Kolkata pandal that claimed 19 lives. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reviewed preparations at Babughat on Wednesday, October 21, as authorities stepped up measures to prevent further incidents.
Accompanied by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand and Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey, Adhikari assessed the arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of idol immersions during Bijaya Dashami.
18 IPS Officers Deployed for Security
The administration has assigned 18 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to supervise idol immersions across Kolkata and three neighbouring police commissionerates. Twelve officers will oversee arrangements in Kolkata, while six will be responsible for Howrah, Barrackpore and Chandannagar.
The officers will remain deployed through October 24, with duties distributed across the immersion period.
NDRF Joins Safety Measures
Adhikari said additional precautions had been introduced and security had been strengthened. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been involved in the arrangements.
Authorities are working to ensure that large crowds can participate in the immersion process safely. Cleaning operations are scheduled to take place after the immersions conclude.
Stampede Triggers Heightened Vigilance
The security measures follow a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata during Mahasaptami celebrations. The tragedy left 19 people dead and several others injured, prompting renewed scrutiny of crowd management and public safety arrangements.
The incident has highlighted the importance of adequate security, coordinated emergency response and effective crowd control at major religious gatherings.
With immersion ceremonies continuing across Kolkata and nearby areas, the administration is focusing on maintaining order and reducing risks as large numbers of devotees gather for the festivities.