Fire in Kolkata hotel kills 14, police constitute SIT; local administration faces heat over 'negligence'

The fire, which was first reported at 7:30 pm, broke out at the premises of Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata's Mechhuapatti area.

The flames were brought under control almost 10 hours after 10 fire tenders were pressed into service.

In a moment of panic, one jumped off the fourth floor fracturing his leg while some leaned out of windows and screamed for help in a desperate attempt to escape from the hotel, where 88 guests were staying in 42 rooms.

Though West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose earlier claimed 15 were killed, later Kolkata Commissioner of Police Manoj Verma revised the toll to 14 citing some confusion.

Among the killed, 11 were men, one woman and two children. Several injured are critical.

The cause of the fire is yet to be known. The Kolkata Police said they have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the fire incident.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is in Digha to inaugurate the Jagannath Temple, posted on X, "My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area. I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area.

"14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's office posted on X.

PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the primary opposition force in West Bengal, has claimed illegal construction with the backing of the local Trinamool Congress government led to this incident.

"The situation is such that now we have to find out how many legal constructions exist in West Bengal," said BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, who was denied entry into the locality, where the hotel exists, by police this morning.

Almost in the same tune, Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X, "Lack of proper fire safety measures, and other negligence must have led to the horrific incident, which must be probed thoroughly, however what is most concerning is that the tragedy struck at the heart of Kolkata, yet the response wasn't adequate and prompt considering the location. Why?

"Is this because, the whole Administration and WB Govt is on a 3 day vacation in Digha and the People of WB are left to fend for themselves?"