West Bengal CM visits Chorbagan stampede victims amid political tension

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Bikas Bhattacharya in Howrah to provide financial assistance following the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal stampede, which claimed 19 lives on October 17. Adhikari handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lakhs to the bereaved family and pledged ongoing government support.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), chaired by retired Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati, has been constituted to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy and recommend safety improvements. The panel includes high-ranking officials from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department and the Special Task Force.

The tragedy has become a focal point for political friction. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded an impartial probe and stronger public safety measures. In a recent statement, Chief Minister Adhikari criticized the CJP, referring to certain influences as “vices like cockroaches” while advocating for increased nationalism in educational institutions.

Separately, the CJP continues to lead protests in major Indian cities regarding alleged irregularities in voter rolls and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Leaders of the movement have recently been asked by authorities in New Delhi to sign peace bonds to prevent breaches of public tranquility.