Kolkata: Investigators probing the Chorbagan stampede have approached Calcutta High Court for permission to collect voice samples of two arrested men — both of whom were in charge of the announcement — to establish if they made announcements shortly before the tragedy on Saptami evening. Police are examining CCTV footage and videos carrying announcements that may have triggered panic, and unauthorised stalls along an exit route.“The audio clips will be sent for laboratory examination. After obtaining court nod, we plan to collect voice samples of Sanjib Raha, alias Sentu, and Kushal Majumdar, alias Kalia, and compare them with the recordings of announcements through forensic analysis,” said a senior officer of Kolkata Police.Nine persons have been arrested so far. Investigators have identified several videos in which instructions announced over a microphone can be heard.The timing of the announcements is central to the probe. Investigators are matching them with CCTV footage to establish what was said and when. The pandal’s theme is believed to have restricted outside sounds from entering its interior, while the announcement suspected to have been false or misleading was reportedly directed at visitors outside.Investigators have also found that several stalls had been set up along the route leading out of the pandal without permission, sources said. They are trying to establish who authorised the stalls.“So far, footage examined has not revealed negligence by cops during the rush,” said a senior officer. Cops said they are also yet to find concrete evidence that any personnel released a rope being used to form a cordon, as alleged.Police have also rejected claims that there were too few personnel at the site when the incident occurred. Around 150 people, including police personnel, home guards and volunteers, were present, along with private security staff. “Of them, about 50 were temporary home guards, and an inspector was also in charge. As the crowd grew, two deputy commissioners were brought in,” he said.CM Suvendu Adhikari had said some home guards were using a rope to create a barricade, which gave way under pressure from the crowd. Their role is being examined. Police said CCTV footage reviewed so far showed officers inside the pandal directing visitors towards the exit for safety.Cops have recorded statements of around 60 to 70 people, including those injured in the stampede. Sentu, the puja committee’s treasurer, has been remanded in police custody till Oct 28. Kushal Majumdar, the other alleged announcer, was remanded to police custody till Nov 6.Special Investigation Team is also checking whether the arrangements made by the organisers matched those declared in their application for police permission.
