Kolkata/New Delhi: Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma revised the death toll from 15 to 14 after verification today in the Rituraj Hotel fire in central Kolkata’s congested Burrabazar area. The devastating fire tore through the six-storey Rituraj Hotel on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025, claiming at least 14 lives, including one woman and two children, and injuring 13 others.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the cause, with preliminary reports pointing to a possible short circuit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed the toll and ordered a probe.
The fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel on Madanmohan Street, a budget accommodation catering primarily to traders from other states, around 8:15 pm. With 88 guests in 42 rooms and approximately 60 staff members present, the hotel was bustling when the fire erupted. The blaze engulfed the hotel, trapping guests and staff. Most victims succumbed to asphyxiation due to thick smoke, while one person died after jumping from the building in a desperate attempt to escape. Narrow lanes in the Mechua area hampered rescue efforts, delaying firefighters’ access. Over 10 fire engines worked through the night, bringing the blaze under control by 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The SIT will examine the hotel’s safety measures, including the functionality of fire exits and equipment, as reports indicate non-functional fire systems and a lack of emergency exits contributed to the tragedy. Preliminary investigations suggest combustible materials, including plywood stored for renovations, may have fueled the fire.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with guests climbing onto ledges and using phone flashlights to signal for help. Bipin Ganatra, a 69-year-old who assisted firefighters, recounted finding a father and his two children trapped in a third-floor room. Among the victims were three residents of Karur, Tamil Nadu, including two minors, prompting condolences from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, stating, “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.” He announced the ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee monitored rescue operations overnight, mobilising maximum fire brigade services, and expressed her sorrow over the loss of lives.
This is the second major fire incident in Kolkata within days, following a blaze at a building near Falpatti Machhua on April 29, which reported no casualties. The city has a history of deadly fires, including the 2010 Stephen Court fire and the 2011 AMRI Hospital tragedy. The incident has sparked criticism of the Kolkata Corporation, with West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh highlighting lax fire safety regulations.
The SIT’s findings are expected to shed light on the lapses that led to this tragedy, as the city mourns and questions the enforcement of safety standards in its commercial hubs.
– global bihari bureau
