CHORBAGAN STAMPEDE: SUVENDU ADHIKARI WARNS OF ARRESTS OVER FAKE ONLINE POSTS ALLEGEDLY TRACED TO BANGLADESH
October 20, 2026
KOLKATA, OCTOBER 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has warned of arrests over allegedly fabricated social media posts circulating in the aftermath of the deadly Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, claiming that some of the content had been traced to Bangladesh.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions following the stampede in north Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives and triggered questions about crowd management, public safety and accountability. The tragedy has also been followed by a wave of online commentary, including posts that the authorities suspect contain misleading or false information about the incident.
Adhikari's warning signals a tougher response to the circulation of such material. The government has indicated that those found responsible for spreading fabricated claims could face legal action, although any criminal liability would depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable law.
The alleged Bangladesh connection adds a cross-border dimension to the controversy. However, claims about the origin of individual posts require verification through digital evidence and investigation, and the location from which a post originates does not by itself establish the identity or motive of its author.
The controversy has emerged as authorities continue to face scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the stampede. The tragedy has raised concerns about crowd-control arrangements at popular Durga Puja pandals, the management of entry and exit points, and the adequacy of emergency measures during large public gatherings.
The circulation of misinformation following a major disaster can complicate investigations, intensify public anxiety and make it more difficult to distinguish verified facts from speculation. At the same time, any enforcement action must be supported by credible evidence and follow due process.
The government's response therefore involves two parallel challenges: establishing the facts surrounding the stampede and addressing the alleged spread of fabricated online content without prejudging individual responsibility.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining what caused the fatal crowd crush, identifying any failures in safety arrangements and establishing accountability. The handling of misleading online posts has become an additional point of concern in the aftermath of a tragedy that has shaken Kolkata.
