SIT probes narrow exit and poor lighting at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal after 19 die in stampede

Investigators probing the deadly stampede at Kolkata's Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal have zeroed in on a narrow exit point and a poorly lit pathway as probable causes of the disaster that killed 19 people on October 17. A six-member Special Investigation Team has been constituted to establish how the crush of worshippers turned fatal during one of India's most celebrated festivals.

The SIT's early findings suggest that inadequate crowd-management infrastructure at the site may have played a decisive role in the tragedy. Authorities are examining whether the combination of restricted passage and insufficient lighting prevented people from moving to safety as crowds surged.

In a related development, the pandal's treasurer has been arrested in connection with the incident. Investigators are expected to question organisers over decisions made about the venue's layout and safety arrangements ahead of the event.