Chorbagan Durga Puja Stampede: Treasurer Arrested Over Alleged Panic-Inducing Announcement

Kolkata: Police have arrested Sanjib Raha, alias Sentu, treasurer of the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee, in connection with the stampede that claimed 19 lives and injured 25 people at a north Kolkata pandal on October 17.According to a senior police officer, Raha was detained in Nadia district on Thursday and arrested after hours of questioning. He had allegedly been absconding since the incident.Investigators said CCTV footage identified two individuals making announcements on Maha Saptami, warning revellers that part of the pandal was collapsing and urging them to leave immediately. Police suspect the announcements may have triggered panic and a fresh rush towards the exit amid rainy conditions.Raha’s mobile phone had reportedly remained switched off following the tragedy, prompting investigators to track several suspected phone numbers to locate him.A special investigation team is examining the circumstances behind the stampede, including possible crowd-management failures and negligence. The allegations against Raha remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process.