National: A devastating fire ripped through Rituraj Hotel, situated near the bustling Falpatti Machhua area in Central Kolkata, on Tuesday evening, resulting in the tragic loss of at least fourteen lives.
The inferno erupted at approximately 8:15 p.m., triggering an immediate response from the city’s fire department and various emergency response teams who rushed to the scene to combat the raging flames and initiate rescue operations.
Confirming the grim toll, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma addressed the press at the site, stating, “We have recovered 14 bodies from the affected hotel. The fire is now under control, and our rescue operations are ongoing. To determine the exact cause of this tragedy, a special investigation team has been constituted.”
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, exploring all potential causes, including possible violations of established fire safety regulations.
The catastrophic event has ignited strong reactions across the political spectrum. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar conveyed his profound sorrow via social media platform X, emphasizing the urgent need for the state administration to bolster rescue efforts and provide immediate medical and humanitarian aid to those impacted.
Furthermore, he advocated for a rigorous reassessment of fire safety adherence throughout the city to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Echoing concerns over safety protocols, West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar directly criticized the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, alleging a failure in the enforcement of crucial safety measures. In a statement to ANI, Sarkar lamented, “This is an incredibly sad incident. Many individuals are still trapped inside. It’s evident that there was a complete lack of safety and security. I fail to comprehend the actions, or rather inaction, of the municipal corporation.”
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