The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police is preparing to conduct voice sample tests on two accused arrested in connection with the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal stampede in north Kolkata, which killed 19 people on 17 October 2026. The tests, expected within a day or two, are a critical step before the SIT files its charge sheet.

The Two Accused

The accused have been identified as Sanjib Raha, alias Sentu, the puja committee treasurer, and Babu Majumdar, alias Kushal alias Kalia, a puja committee member. Both were arrested for their alleged role in making a misleading public announcement that investigators believe directly triggered the deadly panic. According to police, substantiating this charge requires matching their voices against the announcement recording — making the sample test procedurally essential before a charge sheet can be filed.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

The stampede occurred on the evening of 17 October amid heavy rain, when the pandal was packed with devotees. Those waiting outside sought shelter inside, while those already within were reluctant to leave due to the downpour, creating a volatile crowd situation. In the midst of this tension, an announcement falsely warning that the pandal structure had collapsed and urging immediate evacuation sent the crowd into a frantic rush towards the exits. The resulting crush killed 19 people and left several others injured. A total of nine persons have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.

Parallel Judicial Inquiry Under Way

Alongside the police investigation, a judicial inquiry panel headed by retired Justice Anindita Roy Sarswati is conducting a separate probe. The panel has been tasked with submitting its findings to the West Bengal government within three months. Notably, the judicial body also granted permission for the immersion of idols from the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja to proceed on Saturday. However, the pandal structure is to remain standing until investigators clear it for dismantling.

What Investigators Are Focusing On

The SIT is examining the precise sequence of events and the degree to which the organisers bear responsibility for the chaos. The voice sample tests are central to establishing whether the accused were the source of the announcement that set off the stampede. This comes amid broader questions about crowd management protocols at major public gatherings in the city — the Chorbagan tragedy is among the deadliest crowd-crush incidents in West Bengal in recent years.

What Happens Next

Once the voice tests are completed and results matched, the SIT is expected to formally file a charge sheet. The judicial panel's report, due within three months, could also inform whether the state government orders a wider review of safety norms at large pandals. Families of the 19 victims and survivor groups are closely watching both the criminal proceedings and the judicial inquiry for accountability.