West Bengal Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the Chorabagan tragedy that took place on 17 October along with accountability for any established negligence and stronger safety measures at public gatherings across the state.
The party organised a candlelight condolence programme and a press conference in Kolkata on 24 October to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the incident and express solidarity with the affected families.
CJP extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The party called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine responsibility on the basis of evidence.
Addressing the press conference, party representatives stressed the need to examine crowd-management arrangements, emergency exits, medical assistance, event permissions and the response of the authorities concerned.
Lawyer Utsav Das emphasised that any negligence or violation of legal obligations established during the investigation must be dealt with through appropriate legal action.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that responsibility is determined through a fair process and supported by evidence.
Researcher Dedipio Ganguly highlighted the need for regular safety audits, trained personnel, effective emergency evacuation plans and better coordination among emergency services to prevent similar incidents in the future.
CJP Coordinator Prakriti Sahu outlined the party’s key demands, including timely financial assistance and necessary medical support for affected families and injured individuals. The party also called for a fair, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the incident.
CJP further demanded accountability wherever negligence or violations of legal duties are established. It urged the authorities to introduce stronger safety guidelines and improve emergency preparedness at major public gatherings and festival pandals across West Bengal.
The party also called for regular public updates on the progress of the investigation and the assistance being provided to affected families.
CJP said it intended to submit its demands in writing to the relevant authorities and seek information on the action taken in response.
Clarifying its position, the party said its initiative was focused exclusively on humanitarian solidarity, justice for the affected families, accountability and public safety.
It added that political statements made by individual participants should not necessarily be interpreted as the party’s official position.
The party maintained that it did not intend to use the tragedy as a platform for partisan politics.
CJP also appealed to civil society organisations and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with the affected families and support efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
The party reiterated its commitment to justice, transparency, accountability and safer public spaces for all, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the Chorabagan incident must be investigated thoroughly and that appropriate measures should be taken to strengthen public safety across the state.
