Calcutta High Court Orders Judicial Inquiry into Deadly Durga Puja Stampede

In response to the tragic stampede during the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, which resulted in 19 fatalities, the Calcutta High Court has mandated the formation of a judicial inquiry commission. Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge emphasized the need for a retired judge to lead the investigation, following a request from the West Bengal government. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has pledged swift action and compensation for the victims' families, while ensuring that the investigation remains impartial by excluding certain officials from the probe. The government will also cover medical expenses for the injured.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 20, 2026, 22:52 IST

Judicial Probe Commission Formed Following Tragic Incident

Kolkata: Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge of the Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to establish a judicial inquiry commission led by a retired High Court judge of their choosing. This decision follows the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Community Durga Puja pandal on October 17, which resulted in the loss of 19 lives.

Previously, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal had approached Chief Justice Ghuge, requesting the appointment of a sitting judge to investigate the incident. However, the Chief Justice's office clarified that, in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling, a serving judge could not be appointed to such a commission. Thus, the state must select a retired judge to oversee the inquiry.

During a meeting with the families of the victims on Tuesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his commitment to ensuring that the judicial probe commission conducts its investigation swiftly and presents its findings promptly.

The Chief Minister plans to meet with additional family members of the deceased whom he was unable to see on Wednesday.

The decision to initiate a judicial inquiry was made by the Chief Minister immediately following the tragic event on the night of October 17.

To ensure an unbiased investigation, the Chief Minister stated that representatives from the Kolkata Police, the state fire services, and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation would not be part of the judicial probe committee.

He also assured that anyone found negligent, whether from the organizing committee or law enforcement, would face consequences.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a financial compensation of ₹25 lakh for each victim's family and a Group-D job offer. The West Bengal government will also cover medical expenses for the injured and provide ₹5 lakh in financial aid.