Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of 14 lives in a fire at Burrabazar in Kolkata’s central business district and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund.
“Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister wrote on his official X handle.
“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also mourned the death of the people.
“The news of the death of many people in a terrible fire accident at a hotel in Kolkata is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Hoping for the injured recovery soon,” Rahul wrote on his X handle.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Digha for the inauguration of the newly constructed Jagannath temple, called up Mayor Firhad Hakim and the Kolkata Police Commissioner on Wednesday morning to enquire about the devastating fire.
“My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in BurraBazar area,” she wrote on her X handle.
“I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected,” she wrote.
In one of the most devastating fires in recent memory, 14 people lost their lives on Tuesday night at a hotel near Falpatti Machhua in Burrabazar, central Kolkata. Preliminary investigation has revealed that those killed were not burned but were choked by the thick smoke within the building. Kolkata police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.
However, the state BJP president and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, has criticised Mamata Banerjee for her indifferent attitude towards the people.
“Today, the Chief Minister is busy with a day-long inauguration programme of Jagannath Dham in Digha. Meanwhile, the death toll from this horrific fire in Kolkata continues to rise. This clearly reveals the insensitivity and failure of the Chief Minister. While the innocent and helpless people are burning and dying in unbearable pain, the Chief Minister is busy exploiting religion for political gains. Year-round appeasement and election-time religious posturing – this, once again, is the clear priority of Mamata Banerjee,” Majumdar said.
