At least 14 people lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out at the Rituraj Hotel near Falpatti Machhua in central Kolkata on Tuesday evening, according to senior police officials. The incident occurred around 8:15 PM, prompting a swift emergency response.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the death toll and stated that several individuals were rescued from balconies with the help of hydraulic ladders. Six fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control. Rescue operations remain ongoing, and the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A special team has been formed to probe the incident, while preliminary reports suggest some hotel staff and guests jumped from upper floors in panic. One staff member reportedly died after jumping to escape the flames.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the tragedy and directed Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Verma to visit the site immediately. She has been closely monitoring the rescue efforts.
Leaders from opposition parties also responded. BJP’s West Bengal President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called for strict monitoring of fire safety norms across the state. Congress leader Subhankar Sarkar blamed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation for alleged negligence in ensuring building safety.
The incident has triggered a wider debate on urban fire safety, as questions arise about enforcement and preparedness in commercial buildings across Kolkata.
