Kolkata hotel fire kills 9: Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul targets ex-TMC govt, CESC over licences

Speaking to reporters, Paul alleged that the hotel had been granted permission to operate by the erstwhile government despite allegedly falling short of the necessary requirements.

‘How were the licences issued?’

“What did the previous government do? What did my immediate predecessor, who was also the Mayor, do? How were the trade and fire licences issued? How could such buildings have been granted permission? There are plenty more questions,” Paul said.

“How could CESC also give permission? The Police and Fire Brigade have said that the fire occurred due to overloading,” the minister added.

Govt to inspect hotels, buildings

Paul said she would speak to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on the matter and that the government would form a team comprising representatives of various departments to inspect hotels and buildings in the area and identify those operating illegally.

“No audit has been conducted in the last 15 years. I will speak to the Chief Minister. We will form a team comprising all stakeholders, including the KMC, Fire Department, PWD and Police, and conduct a comprehensive inspection of all existing buildings,” she said.

Nine killed in Kolkata hotel fire

At least nine people were killed and six others injured after a fire broke out at around 2 am at a hotel on Free School Street in Kolkata's densely populated New Market area.

Reports claimed that all nine deceased, including two women and a child, were Bangladeshi nationals. The victims were reportedly visiting Kolkata for medical treatment.

Firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the spot after the blaze was reported. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Another hotel fire in Bengal

The incident came just two days after another deadly hotel fire in West Bengal.

At least eight pilgrims were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out at a hotel in Tarapith in Birbhum district on August 17.

The hotel was located near the famous Tarapith Temple.

The back-to-back incidents have raised fresh questions over fire safety measures, building permissions and compliance with safety regulations at hotels and other establishments across the state.