LUCKNOW, Oct. 18 -- In the wake of a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated directions for a comprehensive safety audit of such pandals across the state. Electrical installations, structural safety, fire prevention, emergency exits and crowd management will be inspected as part of the exercise.

Uttar Pradesh director general of police Rajeev Krishna said the CM had issued the directions earlier and subsequently instructed officials to ensure strict compliance. Police commissioners, district magistrates and district police chiefs have been asked to inspect pandals and verify safety arrangements. Senior officials have also been instructed to remain in the field an...