Birpur, Madhabdihi: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Birpur in Madhabdihi to meet a family devastated by the tragic Chorbagan accident, which claimed the lives of local resident Tagar Bej and her minor son, Sandeep Bej.

The family, shattered by the loss of two loved ones, received the Chief Minister, who offered his condolences and assured them of support during this difficult time.

A Festival of Joy Turned Into a Tragedy

Festivals are usually a time for returning home, wearing new clothes, visiting pandals and spending precious moments with family. But for the Bej family, the festive season has turned into a period of unbearable grief.

Tagar Bej and her son Sandeep had gone to Kolkata to visit Durga Puja pandals and were expected to return home. Instead, they returned in coffins, leaving their family to face an irreplaceable loss.

Upon reaching the grieving household on Tuesday, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the portraits of Tagar Bej and her son. He then sat with family members, enquired about their well-being and offered reassurance that they would not be left alone in their hour of sorrow.

‘The Entire State Is My Family’: Chief Minister

Speaking about his visit, Suvendu Adhikari highlighted his responsibility towards the people of the state, saying that he had rarely seen a Chief Minister personally visit a family following such an incident.

He said that, as the administrative head of the state, he considers every resident part of his larger family. According to him, when tragedy strikes a family, it is important for the leadership to stand beside them rather than simply receive updates from a distance.

The Chief Minister stressed that providing emotional support and standing with grieving families must remain a priority during such difficult circumstances.

Judicial Inquiry Sought Into Chorbagan Accident

The Chief Minister also spoke about the proposed judicial inquiry into the Chorbagan accident. He said the Chief Secretary had written to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court regarding the matter.

The inquiry is expected to proceed in accordance with the directions of the Chief Justice, who will decide on the appointment of a judge or committee to examine the incident.

Adhikari emphasised that the affected families must receive support from elected representatives and administrative officials, urging them to remain in contact with the bereaved and help them through this difficult period.

Safety Concerns Ahead of Future Durga Puja Celebrations

The tragedy has also raised questions about crowd management and public safety during large-scale festival celebrations.

Referring to lessons from previous incidents, the Chief Minister stressed the need to examine crowd control, the management of large gatherings at themed puja pandals and the safety of visitors.

However, he refrained from making definitive comments about administrative responsibility before the inquiry is completed. He said the findings should help authorities identify the causes and take appropriate preventive measures ahead of next year's celebrations.

A Family Left With Painful Memories

For the family in Birpur, thoughts of next year's festivities offer little comfort. The people with whom they had planned to visit pandals, return home and celebrate together are no longer there.

While celebrations continue elsewhere, the family home remains overwhelmed by grief. The courtyard that was supposed to welcome a mother and her son is now filled with memories of their absence.

The Chief Minister also said that public representatives were trying to refrain from celebratory events in consideration of the affected families. While religious rituals may continue, he emphasised the importance of sensitivity towards those mourning the loss of loved ones.

For the Bej family, the tragedy is a painful reminder that a moment of celebration can change a family's life forever.