Kolkata Building Staircase Demolition Leaves 40 Residents Trapped Inside
In a distressing incident in Kolkata, around 40 residents found themselves trapped inside a dilapidated residential building at 104, Madan Mohan Burman Street, off Mahatma Gandhi Road. The crisis unfolded on Friday when the staircase connecting the first and second floors was allegedly razed by the new owner of the property, leaving occupants stranded on upper floors.
Emergency Rescue Operations Deployed
Police, civic authorities, and fire brigade personnel swiftly responded to the scene, utilizing ladders to rescue several residents, including vulnerable women and children. Scenes of panic gripped the area throughout the day as personnel from the Disaster Management Group (DMG) of Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) demolition squad worked tirelessly to evacuate people from the upper floors.
According to eyewitness accounts, some families were carefully brought out through windows and narrow ledges with the assistance of ladders, highlighting the precarious nature of the rescue mission. Even by evening, several residents remained inside the building, unwilling to leave despite the imminent danger, primarily because they have no alternative accommodation.
Background of the Building and Ownership Dispute
The building in question, which contains over 50 rooms and small residential units, was recently purchased by Shambhu Nath Singh. It is alleged that Singh intended to raze the structure for real-estate development purposes. A source from the KMC buildings department confirmed that the owner had obtained permission for the construction of a new building on the site.
However, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim addressed the situation on Friday, asserting that the civic body would protect the interests of the tenants. "If we have to give our stamp of approval to protect the interest of the tenants, we won't hesitate. There is no reason for tenants to feel left out," Hakim stated firmly. A KMC official added that the promoter would be questioned regarding the failure to implement safety measures before initiating any demolition activities.
Allegations of Pressure and Historical Context
Residents have accused Shambhu Nath Singh of pressuring them to vacate the premises. Vibha Jha, a resident, claimed, "When the residents did not agree, his men started breaking sections of the building on the pretext of repairs." This allegation points to a contentious eviction strategy that has escalated into a public safety hazard.
Local councillor Mohammad Jasimuddin provided historical context, noting that the building was constructed before India's Independence. He emphasized that many occupants have resided there for decades, forming deep-rooted connections to their homes. "In the past, I had alerted the residents that the new owner is trying to dismantle the building. I alerted the DG Building and other senior officials in the KMC, including the mayor," Jasimuddin revealed, indicating prior warnings about the owner's intentions.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Officials confirmed that some residents, including women and children, were still inside the building as they refused to leave due to a lack of alternative housing. A DMG official explained, "There are some people still inside, including women and children. They are not willing to come out as they do not have any other place to go."
Echoing this sentiment, resident Mohammad Salman expressed the dire circumstances faced by the occupants: "We do not have any other place to take our families. The promoter should make arrangements for us." This highlights a broader issue of tenant rights and displacement in urban redevelopment projects.
The incident underscores the urgent need for balanced urban development that prioritizes both safety and the welfare of long-term residents. As rescue efforts continue, authorities are tasked with ensuring the immediate safety of those trapped while addressing the underlying disputes between property owners and tenants.
