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Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge on Tuesday instructed the West Bengal government to establish a judicial commission headed by a retired judge of the state’s High Court to investigate the October 17 stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, which resulted in 19 deaths.
Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal had earlier requested the Chief Justice to nominate a serving High Court judge to oversee the investigation.
The Chief Justice’s office informed the state that a previous Supreme Court order did not permit the appointment of a sitting judge to such a commission.
The government was consequently asked to choose a retired judge to head the panel.
Government Pledges Speedy and Fair Investigation
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the judicial inquiry shortly after the incident. On Tuesday, he met some victims’ relatives and handed them compensation cheques.
Adhikari said the commission would be encouraged to complete its work on a priority basis and submit its findings promptly. He is expected to meet the remaining bereaved families on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister also said that officials from Kolkata Police, the state fire services department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation would not be part of the panel. The move aims to ensure the inquiry remains impartial.
He warned that anyone found guilty of negligence would face action. Those held accountable could include puja organisers and police personnel.
The state government has announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the family of each victim. The amount will be provided to the relatives of those who died in the stampede.
It has also promised a Group-D government job as part of the relief package.
The government will cover the medical expenses of those injured in the incident. It will also provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to them.
The judicial commission will investigate the circumstances behind the stampede and examine accountability for the deaths.
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