NEW DELHI: In a scathing political attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Saturday that the devastating Anandapur fire near Kolkata was "not an accident" but rather the "result of the Trinamool Congress government's corruption." His remarks sharply targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as election season approaches, intensifying the political rhetoric surrounding the tragedy.
Shah's Fiery Rally Accusations
Addressing a rally, Shah posed a series of pointed questions about the incident. "The fire in Anandpur is not an accident. 25 people have lost their lives, and 27 are missing. Why did this incident happen? Whose money is invested in this Momo factory? Who are the owners of the Momo factory? With whom have the owners of the Momo factory travelled abroad on flights? And why hasn't the owner of the Momo factory been arrested yet?" he demanded, casting doubt on the transparency and accountability of the state administration.
Criticism of Mamata Banerjee's Response
Shah further criticized Banerjee's handling of the situation, linking it to broader political issues. "Would Mamata Banerjee's reaction have been the same if these were infiltrators? Bengali citizens have been killed; what are you doing with vote bank politics in this matter? Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed," he stated, accusing the ruling party of engaging in "vote-bank politics" and providing shelter to "infiltrators." He framed the fire as a consequence of administrative failure under the TMC government.
Details of the Anandapur Tragedy
The fire erupted in a warehouse facility in Anandapur in the early hours of Monday, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and several individuals reported missing. Large-scale rescue and relief operations were swiftly initiated, with firefighting teams working tirelessly to control the blaze and police securing the area. According to news agency ANI, investigators have sent 21 samples for profiling, and missing persons reports continue to be filed. So far, three people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Legal Developments and Compensation
A Baruipur court has granted six days of police custody for outlet manager Raja Chakraborty and deputy manager Manoranjan Sheet. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident, describing it as "very tragic and saddening." He announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Company Statement and Support Measures
Wow! Momo, the company whose warehouse was affected, issued a statement explaining that the fire originated from a neighboring facility and spread into its premises around 3 AM on January 26, leading to the complete destruction of one warehouse unit. The company confirmed the loss of two employees and a contracted security guard, labeling the event a "catastrophe." In response, it pledged Rs 10 lakh compensation per family, lifetime monthly salary support, and educational assistance for the children of the deceased, emphasizing its cooperation with authorities.
