A routine Monday morning phone call between a mother and her daughter turned into a final farewell for the Samanta family of Kolkata. Thirty-year-old Anamika Samanta, who had been working in Lucknow for three years, was among 15 people killed in a devastating fire at a commercial building in the Aliganj area on Monday.
Her mother, Sulekha Samanta, struggled to hold back tears as she recalled their last conversation. "She spoke to me on Monday morning. We talked every day. I never imagined that would be our last conversation," she said.
Family Rushes to Lucknow After Tragic News
The family, including her father Vishwanath, mother Sulekha, brother Akash, and uncle Palash Kar, rushed to Lucknow after being informed of the tragedy by Kolkata police. They arrived on Tuesday, hoping for a miracle. Instead, they were confronted with a heartbreaking reality at the mortuary. "Only her face was visible. We were able to identify her through that. The rest of her body was burnt," a family member said.
The loss has been particularly devastating as the family had recently created happy memories together. Just weeks ago, they had traveled to Manali for a short vacation, moments that now serve as painful reminders of happier times.
Victim Remembered as Caring Daughter
Relatives described Anamika as a caring daughter who remained closely connected to her family despite living hundreds of kilometers away. Her daily calls home had become a cherished routine for her mother, and the family was preparing for her marriage.
The massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon in a three-floor commercial building housing an animation center. At least 15 people, mostly students, were killed. Several others sustained burn injuries and are undergoing treatment at King George's Medical University (KGMU).
Government Orders SIT Probe
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the tragedy to determine the cause of the fire and examine whether there were lapses in safety measures. Senior officials have stated that those found responsible will face strict action.
As formalities are completed in Lucknow, the family is preparing to take Anamika's mortal remains back to West Bengal. Her last rites will be performed at their ancestral village of Garhbalia in Howrah district, where relatives and villagers await her final journey home.
