Enhanced Security Measures for Durga Idol Immersion in Kolkata Following Tragic Incident
Kolkata Government Responds to Tragedy
In Kolkata, following the tragic stampede during the Mahashtami celebrations at the Chorabagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in the loss of 19 lives, the West Bengal government has heightened its vigilance. In light of the serious situation, the administration has implemented stringent security measures. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari visited Babughat on Wednesday to assess the preparations for the immersion of the Durga idols.
Collaboration with Police Officials
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand and Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey. The officials engaged in detailed discussions regarding the measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly immersion process at Babughat.
Robust Security Arrangements and NDRF Deployment
After reviewing the preparations at Babughat, CM Shubhendu Adhikari announced that comprehensive and additional security arrangements have been established. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be involved in the immersion process to address any emergencies. He also instructed that a cleanliness drive should commence immediately after the immersion is completed. In a controversial remark, he stated that only those adhering to Sanatan Dharma should touch the idols.
Deployment of 18 IPS Officers for Security Oversight
Learning from the recent incident during Durga Puja, the administration has tightened security across Kolkata and the surrounding three police commissionerate areas. A total of 18 IPS officers have been assigned to monitor the immersion process closely. Twelve of these officers will be stationed in Kolkata, while the remaining six will oversee security in Howrah, Barrackpore, and Chandannagar commissionerate areas. These officers will be on duty from October 21 to October 24, according to their designated schedules. The security operations in Kolkata will be divided into two phases, with senior officers like Gaurav Sharma, Soma Das Mitra, and Rashid Munir Khan taking charge on different days.