Nine people lost their lives in a devastating late-night fire at a multi-storey building housing multiple hotels in Kolkata's New Market area. Initial reports revealed severe safety lapses, including cramped rooms, a high load of running air conditioners, and absent firefighting infrastructure. The building primarily accommodated visitors from other states and neighboring Bangladesh.
On Wednesday morning, Municipal and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, Industries Minister Tapas Roy, and Fire Services Minister Kaushik Chowdhury visited the spot to review the situation. Expressing intense anger over the structural and safety lapses, Minister Agnimitra questioned how CESC provided power permissions and how trade licenses were granted by the Kolkata Municipality during the Trinamool Congress regime. Fire Minister Kaushik Chowdhury announced a thorough probe, stating that all hotels under the civic body will undergo a strict safety audit.
Authorities have initiated swift legal and investigative action following the incident. Kolkata Police registered a suo motu case, and a Special Investigation Committee was formed under the leadership of the DC DD. The Fire Department has also lodged an official complaint, while security forces have launched a search to trace the absconding building and hotel owners.