The West Bengal government has declared financial support of Rs 10 lakh for each family affected by the tragic warehouse fire in Anandapur. State Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim announced this aid during his visit to the fire site. The compensation will be disbursed once the bodies are identified, pending permission from the Calcutta High Court for DNA testing as per legal requirements.
The fire, which occurred at two warehouses in Anandapur, claimed eight lives and left several individuals missing. The search for the missing persons is ongoing, with families checking hospitals, police stations, and the fire site for updates. The cause of the fire remains unknown, raising concerns about fire safety measures at the warehouses.
Police have initiated investigations into the incident, registering two cases. Gangadhar Das, the owner of the decorator’s warehouse, is being questioned in connection with the fire. Despite ongoing efforts to extinguish the flames, questions have emerged about the legality of the warehouse structures, with allegations of construction on filled wetlands.
Responding to allegations, Hakim emphasized the need to protect livelihoods and distanced the current administration from any wetland filling activities. He assured that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is closely monitoring the situation and extended support to the affected families. Investigations into the fire are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
