The death toll from a fire in two warehouses in Anandapur, Kolkata, has risen to 21, with 27 people still missing. Gangadhar Das, the owner of the burnt-down Pushpanjali decorator’s warehouse, has been arrested on charges of negligence. The adjacent momo company’s warehouse, Wow Momo, was also destroyed in the fire, with similar charges filed against its owners.
Wow Momo reported the loss of three employees in the incident. The company stated that the fire, which started in a neighboring warehouse, completely destroyed one of its warehouses. The company has offered compensation to the affected families, including financial support and educational assistance for the children.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with concerns raised about the lack of fire safety measures in the warehouses. The Fire Department Director General mentioned that no fire safety clearance had been issued for the warehouses. Questions have been raised about the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s inaction, with claims that the warehouses were constructed on wetlands.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim announced financial aid for the families of the victims. Each family will receive Rs 10 lakh in assistance, to be provided once the bodies are identified. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledged to offer a civic volunteer job to a family member of each victim.
