Kolkata: Worshipers' access to Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja closed after short circuit

According to reports, sparks and smoke were spotted in a chandelier inside Santosh Mitra Square puja pandal at around 1:10 am. when a large number of pandal hoppers were present there to witness 22 kg gold saree-draped Durga idol.

Police and fire and emergency services officials rushed to the scene and evacuated everyone from the pandal unhurt.

Later, police officials closed the access of spectators to the modish puja pandal indefinitely.

"Citing security and safety concerns, we have closed visitors' access to Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja pandal indefinitely after an incident of short circuit was reported there last night," a senior official of Kolkata Police told IBNS.

"An eight-member team, comprising of CESC, PWD, Fire and Emergency Services and Kolkata Police's technical department officials, is currently inspecting the pandal and they will submit a report to the police thereafter," the official said.

"After analyzing the report, we will decide the future of the puja pandal," he added.

Meanwhile, official-members of Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja committee have been protesting against the decision of city police since the pandal was closed for visitors.

"Neither any short circuit nor fire incident took place inside our pandal. This is just a conspiracy against us," a club official told IBNS.

"We hope, our pandal will be opened again for worshipers soon. We will continue protests until the administration withdraws the closure," he added.

Till the last update came in, Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja organizers are holding demonstration in front of local Muchipara Police Station.

However, a heavy police force have been deployed at Santosh Mitra Square to avoid any untoward incident due to protest.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Images by Subhodeep Sardar/IBNS)