No difference between Indian Army, Pakistan Army: Activist Tapan Bose

A tragic incident during Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations in north Kolkata has resulted in the deaths of 17 people and left 25 others injured. The incident occurred around 7:30 to 8:00 pm at a crowded pandal located in a narrow, congested by-lane amid rainfall. Officials noted that an announcement over a microphone by the club triggered a stampede-like and suffocation incident. The administration announced that the government will abstain from ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, and scheduled VIP pandal visits have been cancelled. Forensic and fire services personnel were dispatched to secure the place of occurrence and gather evidence without tampering. All registered Sarbojanin Durga Puja committees across Kolkata and districts have been instructed to conduct an immediate security audit of their entrances, exits, and crowd management systems in coordination with the police. Standard operating procedures, including tiered rope management and barricading, are being reviewed as the priority remains the medical treatment of the injured.

National Students' Union of India activists organised a candle march towards Jantar Mantar along Raisina Road in Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. Protesters raised slogans criticising the appointment of the Sikkim Governor and called for a fast-paced investigation into the case. Demonstrators stated they took to the streets to amplify the concerns of Bhandari's parents. Large contingents of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel set up barricades along the route to halt the demonstration. The protest follows an earlier demonstration where opposition leaders and student activists gathered before being stopped by police authorities.

A major incident at a Durga Puja pandal in West Bengal has left 25 people injured, prompting immediate administrative and investigative action. The place of occurrence has been cordoned off by Kolkata Police, forensic teams, and the fire brigade to collect evidence without contamination. A serious fact-finding committee has been constituted to establish the cause of the tragedy and submit an expedited report. Furthermore, Kolkata Police have been directed to detain and question security personnel, including private agencies and committee members, regarding potential lapses. In response to the tragedy, the state government announced that it will abstain from celebratory events, leading to the cancellation of official programmes, including a scheduled visit itinerary for Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Durga Puja committees across the state have been instructed to re-examine entry and exit points, coordinate closely with police personnel, and ensure foolproof safety measures to prevent any recurring incidents.

A stampede occurred at the Chowbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, leading to 17 casualties and leaving 35 people injured. The 90-year-old Puja, which was established in 1936, is situated along a narrow lane off Central Avenue. Following the incident, Kolkata Police personnel alongside civic volunteers were deployed in large numbers to secure the area, rendering the pandal out of bounds for the public. Visuals of the incident circulated widely across social media, casting a somber mood over the annual celebrations. Durga Puja in Kolkata, recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, witnesses massive crowds every year as committees compete for awards and public engagement. Observers noted that while the scale of the festival expands annually, crowd-management systems at narrow venues require strict scaling up. A formal inquiry is expected to establish the exact trigger behind the stampede.