Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Arrests Made in Misleading Announcement Case

In a tragic incident during the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, a misleading announcement led to a stampede, resulting in multiple casualties. Police have arrested two suspects, Babu Majumdar and Sanjib Raha, who are accused of inciting panic among devotees. Investigations reveal that the announcement was made amidst chaotic conditions, prompting a rush for the exits. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event. Read on for more details about the arrests and the ongoing investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 11:30 IST

Arrests Following Devastating Incident

In Kolkata, Babu Majumdar, also known as Kalia, was apprehended by police on Friday. He is the second suspect linked to a false announcement that incited panic among worshippers at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on the night of October 17.

The day before, authorities had detained and subsequently arrested the main suspect, Sanjib Raha, known as Sentu, who served as the treasurer for the organizing committee of the Durga Puja event.

During questioning, Raha admitted that Majumdar was present when the misleading announcement was made from a designated area for committee members and special guests outside the pandal.

A police official confirmed that investigators suspect the announcement may have been made under someone else's direction.

Interrogation of Raha has been ongoing since Thursday afternoon, and investigators plan to question Majumdar about the incident. If needed, both suspects may be interrogated together to prevent inconsistencies in their statements.

According to a police officer, multiple factors contributed to the panic, but the misleading announcement was a significant trigger that led to the stampede, which could have been avoided under different circumstances.

Both Raha and Majumdar had gone into hiding following the tragic events of October 17. Majumdar lives nearby Raha in North Kolkata.

The false announcement was made amidst chaos caused by rain, with people outside trying to enter and those inside refusing to leave. The announcement urged immediate evacuation due to fears of structural collapse, which escalated panic and caused a rush towards the exit, ultimately resulting in the stampede.