BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has blamed public behaviour for the stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata that claimed at least 19 lives and left 25 others injured.
Debnath said the crowd could have been smaller if people had been willing to step outside and get drenched in the rain, arguing that the tragedy highlighted the need for a change in public mindset.
“If people had stepped outside and got drenched in the rain, there would not have been such a large gathering. There is a great need to change people’s mindset,” she said.
The stampede occurred at the popular Durga Puja pandal, situated in a narrow lane in north Kolkata. A false rumour that the pandal was about to collapse, a sudden surge of people seeking shelter amid rainfall and dim lighting inside the venue have been cited as possible contributing factors.
Debnath Questions Need for Separate Probe
Asked whether an investigation should be demanded, Debnath said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had already formed a committee to examine the incident.
“What is the point of demanding an investigation? The Chief Minister has already formed a committee. The Chief Minister is conducting the investigation, so what more can I demand?” she said.
She alleged that negligence had contributed to the tragedy but placed the blame on members of the public, accusing them of prioritising their own interests.
However, when asked about the reported absence of police personnel at the exit gate, Debnath said she could not comment because she had not been present at the scene.
Earlier, MLA Had Accused Authorities of Negligence
Debnath’s latest remarks differ from her earlier comments following a visit to the family of one of the victims on October 18. At that time, she had accused both the puja organisers and the police of negligence.
She had pointed to poor lighting near the exit and the rush during the rain, describing the circumstances in which people were trampled as rescue workers attempted to pull victims from the crowd. She also referred to a rumour about the pandal collapsing as a factor preceding the incident.
A six-member special investigation team (SIT) has been formed by the state government, following consultations with the Calcutta High Court, to investigate the causes of the stampede and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
Political Exchange Over Government Response
Debnath also praised Adhikari’s response to the tragedy, saying he had personally visited the families of those who died.
She contrasted his response with that of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referring to a period of heavy rainfall during Durga Puja in 2025 that caused flooding in Kolkata. Debnath criticised Banerjee for attending a Dandiya event during that period.
The investigation into the Chorbagan stampede is expected to examine the crowd surge, the rumour that triggered panic, lighting conditions, exit arrangements and the role of event organisers and security personnel. The findings will be important in establishing the circumstances that led to the deaths and identifying any lapses.