Seven, including Chorbagan Durga Puja organisers, arrested for pandal stampede in Kolkata: Police

Security heightened outside the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where the victims of a stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal were taken, in Kolkata, on October 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Seven people, including the secretary and vice president of the Chorbagan Sarbajanin Durga Puja committee, have been arrested in connection with the pandal stampede that killed at least 19 people, said the Kolkata Police on Sunday (October 18, 2026).Also read: Kolkata pandal stampede updates on October 18, 2026Two security in-charges and one person who was in charge of construction work have also been arrested, among others, the officials said.Police have also registered a suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.“At the Girish Park Police Station, a Suo moto case was done last night against organisers and others. 14 detained are being questioned,” an official statement from Kolkata Police said.“We have arrested seven people. They were among the 14 detained last night. More arrests may be made,” the IPS officer told PTI.“We have arrested seven people. They were among the 14 detained last night. More arrests may be made,” the IPS officer told PTI.After the stampede, police asked a few major Kolkata Durga Puja organisers to close temporarily due to the crowd rush. Tala Pratyay, Chatla Agrani, and other pujas that attract a massive crowd were among the big-ticket celebrations that were shut down. Police will take further decisions about their operations later on Sunday (October 18, 2026).(With PTI inputs) Published - October 18, 2026 10:38 am IST