Kolkata police have arrested two additional suspects, including a committee official, linked to the October 17 stampede that killed 19 people. Investigators are using CCTV footage to probe allegations that false warnings about a structure collapse triggered the panic. A special team is operating under the Calcutta High Court to investigate the incident and recommend stricter safety measures for public gatherings.
Kolkata authorities have apprehended two more individuals in connection with the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal, bringing the total number of people in custody to nine. The incident, which occurred on October 17 and resulted in 19 fatalities, remains under intense scrutiny by local law enforcement and the judiciary. Among the newly arrested is Sanjib Raha, who served as the committee’s treasurer, while Kushal Majumdar was apprehended in the Girish Park area following an extensive search.
Investigators are currently examining specific sequences from CCTV footage which suggest that the stampede was triggered by panic rather than an actual structural failure. Police statements indicate that the accused allegedly broadcasted warnings to attendees claiming that the pandal structure was collapsing. This action reportedly incited mass fear among the crowd, leading to a chaotic and fatal rush toward the exits. Authorities are now probing the intent behind these announcements, specifically whether they were a deliberate, reckless attempt to clear the area, or if they originated from genuine, albeit erroneous, concerns about the structure.
For those monitoring public safety and regulatory compliance, this investigation carries significant weight. A dedicated six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently conducting the inquiry under the direct oversight of the Calcutta High Court. The primary objective of this team is to establish legal accountability for the tragedy and to formulate mandatory, rigorous safety protocols for future public gatherings. This high-level judicial involvement suggests that organizers of large-scale events in the region may face more stringent regulatory audits and stricter compliance requirements in the coming years.
The legal process is moving forward, with suspects being processed under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Official reports note that Sanjib Raha had been attempting to evade authorities by abandoning his primary mobile devices and communicating through multiple temporary numbers. Police eventually tracked him by monitoring suspicious digital activity. The final findings of the SIT, which are expected to be reported back to the court, will likely influence how event management, structural safety audits, and crowd control responsibilities are handled by festival committees and municipal bodies in future seasons.