By Express News Service
KOLKATA: Four persons, including two women, died and several others fell ill in a stampede-like situation in extreme heat and humidity while attending a religious festival in North 24-Paraganas district’s Panihati on Sunday. The devotees, who turned up at the venue, complained of mismanagement and lack of vigil by police. The organisers had to shut the entrance of the venue finding an unexpected flow of devotees and the local authorities shut down the festival.
The incident occurred at the Danda Mahotsav (festival of punishment) organised every year at the ISKCON temple in Panihati. At least 50 devotees, who fell ill, were taken to the nearby healthcare centres.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences. ‘’Distressed to know of 3 old devotees’ death in Danda Mahotsav at ISKCON temple at Panihati. CP and DM have rushed, all help being provided. My condolences to the bereaved families, solidarity to devotees,’’ she tweeted.
A large number of people gather at the venue every year to mark the arrival of Shri Chaitanyadev from Puri on the way to his abode at Nabadwip. ‘’This year the festival is organised after a gap two years because of the pandemic. We expected a footfall of around 2.5 lakh people but the number was fourfold high this year,’’ said one of the organisers of the festival.
Eyewitnesses told that there was common passage for both the incoming and outgoing devotees where the situation worsened. ‘’Many fell unconscious because of the pressure of the crowd. There was no policemen to control the crowd,’’ said Tapan Byapari, one of the devotees who managed to come out of the festival venue.
