GUWAHATI: At least 14 people have died and several others suffered critical burn injuries after a massive fire broke out at Rituraj Hotel near Falpatti Machhua in Kolkata’s Mechuapatti area on Tuesday evening, April 29, around 8:15 pm.
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Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the recovery of 14 bodies from the site and said multiple others were rescued. “The fire is now under control. Rescue efforts are still underway, and a special investigation team has been constituted to determine the cause,” Commissioner Verma told reporters at the scene.
While the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar expressed grief over the tragedy and urged immediate relief measures. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Manoj Paswan (aged 40), in a horrific fire at a hotel in the Mechua area of Kolkata’s Burrabazar. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray to the Almighty for the Sadhgati of his departed soul,” he wrote in a post on X.
“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 more strict monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future,” Majumdar added.
As of late Tuesday night, fire and emergency personnel remained on site, continuing rescue operations and damage assessment.
