Kolkata: Fifteen people, including a woman and two children, were killed in a devastating fire at a hotel in the Mechuapatti area of central Kolkata on Tuesday, police said on Wednesday. Thirteen others sustained injuries. The reason for the fire is not known as police are trying to ascertain the cause.
"This incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. at the premises of Rituraj Hotel. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams," Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner, told reporters. "The cause of the fire could not be ascertained. Our forensic team will investigate the building. It has been cordoned off," the officer said.
One among the dead, identified as Sanjay Paswan, tried to escape from the top floor to escape the fire. As many as 10 fire engines were pressed into action, and eight hours of firefighting effort also couldn't bring the fire completely under control. Till Wednesday morning, the fire could not be controlled. The rescue operation is still going on.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that those killed were not burned but were choked by the thick smoke within the building. According to sources, the fire broke out between 7:30 pm and 8:45 pm. Fire brigade personnel were not able to enter the hotel due to heavy smoke. As a result, the death toll kept increasing.
There were a total of 88 people in 42 rooms of the hotel. Apart from this, 60 hotel staff were inside when the fire broke out. Verma said that the fire is under control, and the rescue operation is still underway. "The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is underway. A special team has also been formed for the investigation," he said.
The incident happened at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with almost her entire cabinet, is at Digha in East Midnapore district to attend the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham temple at Puri in Odisha.
In a statement on X, CM Banerjee said, "My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area."
My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025
I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total…
"I monitored the rescue and firefight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. An investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected," she added.
Apart from this, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee also took to the social media platform X to express grief and extend support. "Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire at Mechhua. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured," Banerjee said.
Fire Extinguishing System was Dysfunctional
Fire Department DG Ranbir Kumar said the hotel's fire license has been pending for renewal since 2022. "The fire system was just a show, as neither the fire extinguishers nor the fire alarms were functional. The hotel authorities renewed the fire license in 2022. After that, no more fire licenses were renewed. The fire broke out on the first floor of the hotel, where the work for the expansion of a bar-cum-restaurant was in progress. The fire gradually spread from the first floor, smoking most of the people," he added.
Indira Mukherjee, DCP (Central Kolkata), visited the spot, along with the investigators from the Scientific Security Branch of the Detective Department of Kolkata Police. The DG of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation arrived on Wednesday morning, followed by the forensic team.
Probe Committee
State Minister and Mayor Firhad Hakim, who visited the mortuary of the state-run NRS Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, where the bodies of the victims were kept, said a committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter has been set up.
"The death toll has increased to 15. All bodies have been identified. The autopsies are being conducted in the RG Kar Medical College, Calcutta Medical College and NRS Medical College. We have spoken to the families of the deceased, and the police are in regular touch with them. The bodies will be handed over to the families after all procedure is completed. The Chief Minister has instructed that all possible arrangements are in place to help the families of the deceased," Hakim said.
PM Announced Ex Gratia
A post on X from the Prime Minister's Office said PM Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs 50,000."Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM," the post read.
Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM…
Earlier, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar had urged the state administration to rescue the affected immediately and called for "stricter monitoring" of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
"I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," he said in a post on X.
I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Manoj Paswan (aged 40), in a horrific fire at a hotel in the Mechua area of Kolkata’s Burrabazar. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray to the Almighty for the Sadhgati of his departed soul.
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 29, 2025
I…
Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar also slammed the Kolkata Corporation. "This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out...A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security...I don't know what the corporation is doing," Sarkar said.
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