Kolkata: At least 14 people were killed and several injured after a massive fire broke out in a hotel near Falpatti Machhua in Central Kolkata on Tuesday. According to the Police, the incident took place around 8.15 pm on the premises of Rituraj Hotel in the Barabazar area. Fire engines were rushed to the spot immediately to douse the fire, and a search operation was launched. So far, fourteen bodies have been recovered, and more casualties are feared.
PM Modi today condoled the loss of lives in the tragic incident. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Speaking to the media, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Manoj Kumar Verma said, “This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. at the premises of Rituraj Hotel. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams. The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is underway. A special team has also been formed for the investigation.”
West Bengal | Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner, says, "This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. 14 bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams. The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is… https://t.co/bdOyqIYE9I pic.twitter.com/gujWPSnW7l
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025
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The cause of the massive blaze is yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar said that a lot of people are still stuck in the building. Earlier, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar called for ‘stricter monitoring’ to prevent such incidents in the future.
In a post on X, he said, “I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.” Meanwhile, MLA Vivek Gupta visited the site and expressed condolences.
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