Kolkata Stampede: 7 Arrested As Death Toll Rises To 19

Kolkata Police have arrested seven people, including office-bearers of the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee, in connection with the stampede that claimed 19 lives. A suo motu case has been registered at Girish Park police station under Sections 105, 110 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Fourteen people were initially detained for questioning as part of the investigation.

“So far 7 have been arrested. Further inquiries are underway. Those arrested include Puja committee secretary,” Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Agarwal said.

Those arrested include committee secretary Raj Kumar Sewda, vice-president Santanu Dubey, pandal construction worker Biplab Mukherjee, crowd-control personnel Koushik Saha and Pintu Dey, and private security in-charges Suman Chakraborty and Rajesh Pal.

Investigators are examining alleged lapses in crowd management, safety protocols and structural arrangements at the Durga Puja venue. Further inquiries are underway to establish responsibility for the incident.