Kolkata Stampede: Second Accused in Misleading Announcement Case Arrested

The arrest took place on Friday, a day after police apprehended Sanjib Raha, also known as Sentu, who served as treasurer of the Puja organising committee and is considered the prime accused in the case.

According to police, Raha allegedly told investigators during questioning that Majumdar was present with him when the announcement was made from a room outside the pandal. The room was reportedly reserved for organising committee members and special guests.

A senior police officer said investigators were examining whether the announcement had been made at the direction of another individual. Majumdar is now expected to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police are also considering questioning both accused together, if necessary, to examine their statements and establish the circumstances surrounding the announcement.

**Announcement Under Investigation as Key Trigger**

Investigators believe several factors contributed to the panic at the venue, but suspect that the announcement played a crucial role in triggering the stampede.

According to the police account, the announcement instructed devotees to evacuate the pandal immediately over fears that the structure might collapse. This reportedly prompted people to rush towards the exits, intensifying the chaos.

The announcement came as the venue was already experiencing congestion amid rainfall. People outside were attempting to enter the pandal to escape the rain, while those inside were reluctant to leave for the same reason.

The sudden warning allegedly heightened fears among devotees, prompting a rush towards the exit and entry gates, which ultimately resulted in the stampede.

A police officer said investigators were examining how the announcement contributed to the sequence of events and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

**Both Accused Had Reportedly Gone Missing**

Police said Majumdar and Raha had reportedly been absconding since the incident on October 17. Majumdar is a neighbour of Raha in North Kolkata.

Raha was detained and subsequently arrested on Thursday, while Majumdar's arrest on Friday marks the latest development in the investigation.

Police are continuing to question the accused to establish the circumstances in which the announcement was made, determine whether others were involved and reconstruct the events that led to the stampede.