A short-circuit at the city's prominent Durga Puja in the early hours of Saturday prompted the Kolkata Police to close the puja pandal for visitors.
Fire was detected at the pandal of Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja in north Kolkata at about 1.10 am. All people visiting the puja pandal were immediately evacuated.
"Short Circuit at Santosh Mitra Square some time back. Darshan Closed. All evacuated safely. No injuries," Kolkata Police tweeted. According to the police, inspection will be carried out by relevant departments before the puja pandal is opened again for visitors. The police, however, clarified that there are no restrictions on the rituals of Durga Puja but the entry of visitors is closed considering their safety.
The decision of the police, however, has not gone well with the organisers. They claimed that there was no fire and smoke inside the Puja pandal. A group of organisers put posters against the police and gathered outside the local police station.
One of the mega Durga Pujas in the city, this year the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja was an added attraction for visitors with the Goddess being decked up in 20 kg saree made of gold.