A tragic incident occurred on the morning of Eid in West Bengal’s Malda district when a market roof collapsed, resulting in one fatality and another person sustaining severe injuries. The incident took place at the Netaji Commercial Market in the Rathbari area of English Bazar. The deceased individual has been identified as Mintu Sarkar, and an investigation into the matter has been initiated by the police.
The Netaji Commercial Market in Malda town, situated in the Rathbari area, accommodates numerous shops of varying sizes. Local residents have pointed out that the market’s old age had left its roof in a deteriorated state. On a Saturday morning, a section of the roof gave way, leading to the unfortunate event.
Mintu Sarkar, who was responsible for market security during night shifts, and Deep Sardar, a municipal supervisor, were trapped under the debris when the roof collapsed directly on them. Upon hearing the loud crash caused by the incident, locals rushed to the scene, and authorities like Shubhamoy Basu, a Councilor of the English Bazar Municipality, and Ashish Kundu, the Trinamool candidate for the local Assembly constituency, also arrived.
After being rescued from the rubble, Mintu Sarkar was declared dead by doctors at a local hospital, where his body was sent for an autopsy. Deep Sardar is currently receiving medical treatment at Malda Medical College and Hospital. Concerns have been raised about the maintenance standards of the Netaji Commercial Market under the jurisdiction of the English Bazar Municipality.
The area, known for its numerous old and abandoned structures, continues to host commercial activities within them. Locals have attributed the roof collapse to its weakened state following a night of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
