In view of the stampede that took place on Saturday night, the West Bengal government has decided to deploy nine IPS officers experienced in Durga Puja crowd management to handle the festive rush in the state.
Amid concerns over crowd management, police deployment and allegations of negligence against puja organisers following the tragedy, the Kolkata police issued an 11-point advisory for its personnel to prevent untoward incidents at Durga Puja pandals.
The nine IPS officers include Sumanjit Ray, IG (Border), Mehmud Akhtar, IG (IB), Miraj Khalid, IG (Traffic), Rupesh Kumar, DIG (STF), Shubhankar Bhattacharya, DIG (Traffic), Tarun Haldar, DIG (CID), Soumya Ray, SS (EB), Priyabrata Ray, SP (Traffic) and Deepak Sarkar, SS (CID).
“These officers have experience in handling huge crowds during Durga Puja in Kolkata. They have been brought back to help ensure proper crowd management and prevent a repeat of the Chorbagan incident,” a senior official said.
In the 11 pointer advisory, a senior police officer revealed that entry points to the pandals would be closed when it rains and people inside must be brought out safely. No crowd would be allowed inside the pandals during such situations. Police have also been directed to ensure adequate lighting at venues.
“Vehicles carrying VIPs will not be allowed up to the pandals and must be parked at a designated distance,” the officer elaborated.
The police personnel have also been directed to monitor announcements made by puja organizers and ensure that the visitor routes are not changed abruptly. A claim that eyewitnesses made is responsible for the stampede at the Chorbagan Durga puja pandal.
Every officer and constable is instructed to coordinate with a team of five to six volunteers of each puja committee. In the advisory, the Kolkata police has also instructed its personnel on duty to keep adequate ropes, guardrails and small loudspeakers ready to manage crowds and respond to emergencies. ropes, guardrails and small loudspeakers ready to manage crowds and respond to emergencies.