Kolkata Durga Puja treasurer arrested for allegedly inciting panic that led to deadly stampede

Police have taken Sanjib Raha, the treasurer of the Chorbagan Durga Puja, into custody, alleging he deliberately misled attendees by announcing that a section of the pandal was collapsing. CCTV footage showed Raha and another individual making the warning on the evening of October 17, which prompted a panic-driven surge toward the exit and a stampede that left 19 people dead and 25 injured. Raha was initially located in a hideout in Nadia district, detained, and later formally arrested after extensive interrogation.

His mobile phone remained switched off after the incident, and investigators are tracking eight suspected numbers to locate additional contacts. A special investigation team is also examining whether lapses in crowd control or other negligence contributed to the tragedy.