Kolkata Warehouse Fire: 27 Feared Dead, BJP Slams TMC
Kolkata Warehouse Fire: 27 Feared Dead, BJP Slams TMC
Kolkata watches as a massive Nazirabad blaze destroys two warehouses, with 27 missing and 27 feared dead, prompting sharp political blame.
A massive fire ripped through two warehouses in Nazirabad near Anandapur, just outside Kolkata, early Monday, destroying a momo manufacturing unit and a decorator shop. The blaze sent shockwaves across West Bengal as rescue teams fought the flames through the night and into Tuesday.
Officials said the number of people unaccounted for stood at 27, with authorities collecting DNA samples to help identify victims from bone and other remains found at the sites. A forensic analysis of 16 samples is underway to determine the casualty count and identities of those involved. The charred ruins are described as being beyond recognition.
Political fault lines emerged quickly, with BJP leaders accusing the ruling TMC of shielding those responsible. Suvendu Adhikari led a procession at Narendrapur near Kolkata, demanding arrests of the shop owners and compensation for families, and criticized the government’s handling of the tragedy.
Criticism extended to the link between timing and response: the fire minister arrived about 32 hours after the incident, while the chief minister Mamata Banerjee had reportedly not visited the site even days after the blaze, according to opponents. Rescue and search operations continued as investigators looked for the causes behind the devastating fire.
As authorities assess damage and move to identify victims, the focus remains on improving fire safety and preventing such tragedies in the future.
