Sourav Ganguly urges caution at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Ganguly called the Chorbagan incident very unfortunate and asked visitors to travel carefully during the festival.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered prayers on Maha Ashtami at a Behala pandal on Monday and urged people to exercise caution while visiting crowded Durga Puja sites. He described the Chorbagan stampede that killed 19 people and injured at least 25 on Saturday as very tragic and very unfortunate.
Ganguly said Maha Ashtami holds special significance for Bengalis and advised visitors to travel carefully amid heavy crowds and return home safely after offering prayers. West Bengal ministers and police officials have said they are monitoring religious observances to prevent any recurrence of the incident.
Ganguly participated in the Maha Ashtami aarti and spoke to reporters outside the pandal. The state government has maintained heightened vigilance at major puja venues following the tragedy.
CricHubb Take
Ganguly's public appearance at a Behala pandal shows former players can still shape public messaging on civic safety during large gatherings in their home cities.