Kolkata stampede: Durga Puja treasurer arrested over false pandal collapse alert

Sanjib Raha, alias Sentu, was apprehended from a hideout in Nadia district on Thursday and subsequently arrested following interrogation, according to law enforcement officials. Raha served as one of two announcers at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata and has been absconding since the tragedy occurred on the evening of October 17.

Police stated that Raha's announcement regarding a section of the pandal collapsing allegedly sparked panic among the gathered devotees, precipitating the fatal stampede. The two announcers were identified through CCTV footage analysis conducted at the scene.

The stampede, which erupted during heavy rainfall on Maha Saptami, claimed at least 19 lives and left 25 others injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd surge overwhelmed attendees at the popular north Kolkata pandal during the festive Durga Puja celebrations.

Investigations are continuing as authorities examine circumstances leading to the tragedy. The arrest marks a significant development in the case as police seek to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the devastating incident.