Kolkata Warehouse Fire Leaves 25 Families in Anguish as Probe Uncovers Safety Failures
A horrific fire that engulfed two warehouses in Nazirabad, on the outskirts of Kolkata, has left at least 25 people dead and numerous families in despair, with investigations pointing to severe fire safety lapses and systemic neglect. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of January 26, has sparked a complex forensic and political inquiry, as authorities scramble to identify victims and determine accountability.
Grim Recovery and Forensic Challenges
Fire services and disaster management teams have been deployed with cranes and gas cutters to sift through the debris of the gutted warehouses, while distraught families continue to scour the perimeter for any signs of life. To manage the swelling crowds and mounting desperation, police have imposed BNS Section 163 to prevent large gatherings at the site.
Forensic experts at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) are undertaking the painstaking task of conducting DNA tests on twenty-five charred body parts and bones. These samples are being matched against those collected from 27 individuals who have reported relatives missing since the fire. The process is slow and meticulous, adding to the anguish of waiting families.
Survivors' Harrowing Accounts and Arrests
Survivors of the tragedy have recounted a night of panic and chaos, with many describing how the fire spread rapidly due to inflammable materials stored on-site. Susanta Jana, a worker, recalled hearing screams of "fire, fire" as flames engulfed the warehouse, forcing a frantic escape through a pried-open gate. Bimal Bhowmick remembered collapsing from smoke inhalation before waking up in an ambulance.
In a chilling detail, relatives of Basudeb Haldar claimed he made a final call around 3 am, stating that workers were trapped inside because "the door was locked from the outside," leaving no time for escape. This account has raised serious questions about safety protocols and potential negligence.
So far, three arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Gangadhar Das, owner of Pushpanjali Decorators—which leased one warehouse to Wow Momo—was taken into custody on Tuesday. Additionally, two Wow Momo employees, deputy manager Raja Chakraborty and warehouse manager Manoranjan Sheet, were arrested on Thursday evening. Investigators are probing their whereabouts at the time of the fire.
Political Fallout and Compensation Announcements
The tragedy has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, especially with Assembly elections approaching. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. In response, the Trinamool Congress has pledged compensation of Rs 10 lakh.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, who visited the site, blamed the incident on "systemic neglect," calling for exemplary action against those responsible. Opposition leaders, including BJP's Suvendu Adhikari and CPI(M)'s Sujan Chakraborty, have led protests and questioned why Wow Momo founders have not been arrested, highlighting broader issues of wetland encroachment and regulatory failures.
Company Statements and Ongoing Investigations
Wow Momo, which owned one of the warehouses, issued a statement claiming the fire started "from the neighbouring premises" due to "unauthorised cooking." The company expressed grief over losing two employees and a contracted security guard, announcing compensation including a lump sum of Rs 10 lakh, continued monthly salaries for bereaved families, and support for children's education. They have pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Authorities have filed an FIR against Pushpanjali Decorators and are investigating whether fire safety audits were conducted. West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose noted that many factories in the area operate without proper licences, underscoring a pattern of regulatory lapses. Local residents revealed that the area, once wetlands, has seen warehouses spring up over the past decade, raising environmental and safety concerns.
Families' Agony and Search for Closure
Families of the missing, many from Purba Medinipur district, continue to shuttle between the local police station and the fire site, awaiting news of their loved ones. Hare Krishna Maiti, whose brother and nephew worked at the godown for nearly a decade, expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the return of bodies for final rites.
Outside the gutted warehouse, Barnali Doloi mourns her husband Tapan, the family's sole breadwinner, who leaves behind a five-year-old son and elderly parents. Her last conversation with him, where he said he was tired and going to sleep, haunts her as she grapples with the loss.
As investigations deepen, the Kolkata warehouse fire tragedy underscores critical issues in industrial safety, governance, and emergency response, leaving a community in search of answers and justice.
