A warehouse under construction in Taratala, on the outskirts of Kolkata, collapsed, leading to nine fatalities and numerous injuries. Former Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and ex-West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Firhad Hakim, had sanctioned the plan for this warehouse. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed that the plan, approved on January 17, bore Hakim’s signature along with those of KMC engineers.
The Chief Minister criticized the previous Trinamool Congress government, blaming them for the tragic incident and accusing them of corruption and negligence. He highlighted the lack of modern equipment for handling emergencies, necessitating assistance from the Indian Army for rescue operations. Adhikari also pointed out widespread corruption in building plan approvals, singling out an individual named Kali for influencing many irregularities.
Adhikari further disclosed that Kali was involved in the construction of Trinamool Bhavan on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and assured that necessary actions would be taken against those responsible for the irregularities. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for accountability and pledged that no one involved would escape consequences.
