Anukul Sarkar with his son Pranjal
Kolkata: Despite rescuing several children, including his son’s friend, who were trapped under the crowd during the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal stampede, Anukul Sarkar of Agarpara lost his own 13-year-old son, Pranjal. Pranjal was one of the four children among the 19 people killed in the stampede at Chorbagan. Amid the chaos and cries for help, Anukul lost sight of Pranjal.
“Despite his anxiety over Pranjal’s whereabouts, Anukul didn’t think twice about saving the helpless children lying on the road,” a relative said. Anukul could not ignore several children who had fallen under the pressure of the crowd Although desperately worried about Pranjal. He pulled them out one after another, but could not save his son.
A group of 13 had left Agarpara for the pandal.
Every time he closes his eyes, he recalls Pranjal’s face and the horrifying scenes of the stampede,” a family member said. It was Pranjal who had insisted on the trip to Chorbagan, according to family sources. “The family had plans for a trip the next week,” said Rabin Ghosh, a neighbour.
“Anukul is haunted by the thought that he managed to rescue other children but failed to protect his own. Anukul had planned the outing with family members, friends and their children. All returned except Pranjal. During his search for Pranjal, Anukul continued helping other children. He pulled out whoever he could reach. He spotted Pranjal’s friend, Ahana, lying on the ground after being crushed by the crowd. Unable to cope with the loss of her only son, Priyanka has stopped eating.