Kolkata rampage: Police seek voice samples of 2 accused over loudspeaker announcement, move court

Police personnel deployed at the Chorbagan Sorbojanin Durga Puja pandal after the stampede in Kolkata. File. | Photo credit: PTI

Police in Kolkata have approached a local court seeking permission to collect voice samples of two people arrested in connection with the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede as they investigate loudspeaker announcements at a pandal that allegedly sparked panic among rioters.

Investigators want to compare the voice samples of the arrested accused — Puja treasurer Sanjib Raha and Kushal Majumdar — with audio recordings of announcements made on October 17, when a stampede resulted in the death of 19 people, a senior officer said.

“We are examining available audio and video recordings to find out who made the announcement and whether the voices match those of the accused. Forensic findings will be important in reconstructing the sequence of events,” he said.

Police have collected three to four audio and video clips of announcements made at the time of the incident, he said.

Investigators have also identified a clip in which the announcement can be heard and have begun the process of examining the audio recordings, a Kolkata police officer said.

A loudspeaker announcement that part of the Chorbagan puja pandal was collapsing reportedly created panic among the rioters and created a stampede-like situation.

“The voice samples will be compared with the recordings after the court grants permission,” he said.

As part of the investigation, police have so far recorded statements from about 60 people, including several of the 25 injured in the stampede – home guards, civic volunteers, private security personnel and local residents.

He said that employees who were involved in crowd control at the scene of the crowd were also questioned.

“Our officers are trying to establish the sequence of events, the nature of the announcements made over the public address system and their possible impact on the crowd. The evidence gathered will be examined before charges are prepared,” he said.

Police have so far arrested nine people in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway to immerse the idols in the Chorbagan puja pandal.

The idols will be immersed in the Nimtala Ghat here under strict police supervision, the officer added.

The immersion was approved by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up under the supervision of the Calcutta High Court, which ordered that the puja pandal be kept as is for the investigation.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 16:58 IST