‘Fake narratives’ from Bangladesh: Suvendu threatens non-bailable cases over likes, shares
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has threatened non-bailable cases against people accused of spreading what he described as “fake narratives” about a deadly stampede in Kolkata, including those who liked and shared the posts, reported ABP Ananda.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday while visiting the homes of the victims in Chorbagan, an area of Kolkata, Adhikari alleged that some misleading content had been posted from Bangladesh and subsequently circulated by social media users in India.
“Some fake narratives have been posted from Bangladesh. I have called for cases under non-bailable sections to be filed against those responsible, as well as those who liked and shared the posts,” he said.
Adhikari cited a social media post claiming that someone’s eye had been gouged out in Barasat, alleging that it had originated in Bangladesh and been shared by around 135 people in India, including users from Cooch Behar.
“Everyone will be booked. Speak while standing on the side of the truth,” he said.
The chief minister began visiting the victims’ families on the morning of Navami, a day during the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, offering condolences to the bereaved relatives.
He also criticised opposition leaders for not visiting the accident site or the hospital to meet the families of the deceased and injured.
“So many lives were lost because of a few mistakes. It is extremely painful. I have no words,” Adhikari said.
Asked about reports that police had no CCTV footage from the location where announcements were made over a microphone, he said he would not interfere in the investigation.
“As the police minister, it would not be appropriate for me to interfere in the investigation. I have formed a special investigation team. They will look into it. I have obtained and watched a lot of footage. Why should I reveal everything?” he said.
Adhikari acknowledged concerns over possible lapses and said the authorities would conduct a fact-finding exercise. He added that the government would stand by the affected families and assured them that the incident would be properly investigated.
He said he would continue visiting the victims’ homes on Dashami, the final day of the Durga Puja festivities.
Background
At least 19 people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede during Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal state, on the night of October 17. According to police, the incident occurred when a crowd near a festival pavilion rushed for cover as rain began, causing some worshippers to fall on the road and be trampled. The dead included a seven-year-old girl. Adhikari has announced a special investigation team to probe the tragedy.