KOLKATA — Authorities have mobilized nine Indian Police Service officers with specialized crowd control expertise following a stampede in Kolkata, as officials move to reinforce public safety at major Durga Puja pandals across the city.
The strategic deployment came in the wake of mounting scrutiny over crowd management practices, existing security measures, and allegations of negligence aimed at festival organizers, according to reporting by NDTV.
Targeted Police Redeployment
Under the updated operational plan, the nine senior IPS officers will take direct charge of monitoring and regulating high-density visitor locations. Each assigned officer carries extensive prior experience in crowd management, a qualification prioritized by law enforcement leadership to prevent bottlenecks and surging at crowded venues.
The move responds to the recent tragedy that raised urgent questions regarding the city's preparedness for large gatherings during one of the region's largest annual cultural and religious celebrations.
Implementation of Safety Guidelines
Alongside the leadership restructuring, Kolkata Police issued an 11-point advisory directed at ground personnel stationed across major festival installations. The directive outlines specific procedural measures designed to preempt dangerous congestion, streamline pedestrian traffic, and deter further untoward incidents.
Police forces throughout Kolkata have been instructed to strictly enforce these protocols at key pandals as festivities continue, focusing on vigilance, rapid communication, and coordinated oversight between on-duty personnel and puja committees.
