SEVEN ARRESTED AS CHORBAGAN STAMPEDE PROBE EXPOSES ALLEGED CROWD-MANAGEMENT FAILURES

October 18, 2026

KOLKATA, OCTOBER 18: Kolkata Police have arrested seven people, including organisers of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja, in connection with the deadly stampede that claimed at least 19 lives and left 25 others injured on Saturday evening. A suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has also been registered as investigators examine the circumstances behind the tragedy.

According to a senior police officer, inadequate crowd management, confusing announcements and insufficient deployment of police personnel and private security guards may have contributed to the disaster. Fourteen people had initially been detained on Saturday night, and police indicated that further arrests could follow.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage and collecting statements from eyewitnesses and local residents. Preliminary findings suggest that narrow entrance and exit gates, along with a restricted approach road, obstructed the movement of visitors during the sudden crowd surge triggered by heavy rain.

Police are also investigating an announcement reportedly warning visitors that the pandal structure was about to collapse. Authorities are attempting to identify who made the announcement and establish what prompted it, as confusion over crowd movement may have intensified the panic.

Forensic teams have visited the site to collect evidence, while police plan to question survivors to corroborate eyewitness accounts. The investigation is focusing on the organisers’ preparedness, security arrangements and the management of the large gathering.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 on roads adjoining the pandal. The restrictions on gatherings in the surrounding area will remain in force until October 20 as the investigation continues.