Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 15 Lives, SIT Probe Launched

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-04-30 11:38:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 18:33:25

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Fifteen souls, including a woman and two children, perished in a tragic fire that engulfed the Rituraj Hotel, a budget lodging in Kolkata's Mechuapatti area, on Tuesday evening. The inferno also left 13 others injured, some critically, adding to the grim toll of this devastating incident.

The fire, which broke out late Tuesday, quickly spread through the multi-story hotel, trapping many guests in their rooms. Frantic cries for help pierced the night air as flames and thick smoke billowed from the windows. Firefighters battled for hours, navigating the narrow lanes and dense crowds that gathered, to bring the blaze under control. Their efforts were hampered by the building's congested layout and limited access points. As they combed through the charred remains, the true extent of the tragedy became horrifyingly clear.

The immediate aftermath saw scenes of chaos and despair. Relatives of the missing anxiously awaited news, while survivors recounted harrowing tales of escape and loss. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical staff worked tirelessly to provide treatment. The city mourned the loss of life, with local residents expressing shock and disbelief at the scale of the disaster.

The incident has sparked a political row, with accusations of negligence and inadequate safety measures being leveled against the hotel management and local authorities. Opposition parties have called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. In response to the mounting public pressure, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the cause of the fire and determine if any criminal negligence occurred. The SIT will examine the building's compliance with fire safety regulations, the hotel's evacuation procedures, and the response time of emergency services.

This tragedy underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms, particularly in budget hotels and densely populated areas. The loss of 15 lives serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from lax safety standards and inadequate preparedness. The investigation by the SIT is expected to shed light on the circumstances that led to this devastating fire and hopefully pave the way for preventative measures to avoid such tragedies in the future. The city of Kolkata grapples with the aftermath, hoping to learn from this painful incident and ensure the safety of its citizens.

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