Kolkata Stampede Investigation: Missing CCTV Footage Raises Questions

A devastating stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata resulted in 19 fatalities and 25 injuries. Investigators are facing challenges due to missing footage from half of the CCTV cameras installed at the site. The police have summoned key individuals, including the pandal's designer and security personnel, for questioning. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the incident and is expected to report its findings within three months. This tragic event raises significant concerns regarding crowd safety and emergency protocols during large gatherings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 17:13 IST

Tragic Incident at Durga Puja Pandal

Kolkata: Authorities reported that out of 32 CCTV cameras set up around the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal, footage from 16 was found to be 'unavailable' following a tragic stampede on October 17 that claimed 19 lives.

The stampede, which also left 25 individuals injured, was reportedly sparked by an announcement over the loudspeaker suggesting that the pandal was collapsing.

A senior police official stated, 'We have 32 CCTVs installed around the pandal, but we could not retrieve footage from 16 of them. This recording is crucial to understand how the stampede occurred and what led to this unfortunate event.'

'We are making every effort to recover the footage from those 16 cameras,' he added.

In their investigation, police have summoned Sushanta Shibani Pal, the designer of the pandal, along with 12 personnel who were present at the site during the incident for questioning.

'Pal is expected to report to the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar by Wednesday. Investigators will inquire about the design and construction of the pandal, visitor arrangements, and the layout intended for crowd movement,' the officer explained.

'The actions of police officers stationed outside the pandal, particularly at entry and exit points, are also being examined. These officers have been asked to appear for questioning,' he noted.

Additionally, three eyewitnesses were called to Lalbazar on Monday to provide their statements.

So far, police have arrested nine individuals in connection with the stampede and have recorded statements from approximately 60 people, including several injured, home guards, civic volunteers, private security staff, and local residents.

In response to the incident, the West Bengal government has established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by retired Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The SIT has been tasked with delivering its findings and recommendations within a three-month timeframe.