A devastating fire broke out late Tuesday night at a hotel in central Kolkata, resulting in the tragic death of 14 people and leaving at least 13 others injured. The blaze, which is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, erupted at the Rituraj Hotel located near the busy Falpatti Machua area in the heart of the city.
Massive Fire Breaks Out in Central Kolkata Hotel
According to Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, the fire broke out around 8:15 PM in the congested Burrabazar-Mechua area, home to the largest wholesale market in eastern India. Emergency services, including ten fire engines, rushed to the scene to control the blaze and rescue those trapped inside the building.
With approximately 60 staff members present at the time of the incident, chaos unfolded as several people tried to escape through windows and narrow ledges. Videos from the scene showed desperate attempts by hotel occupants to evade the suffocating smoke and flames.
14 Dead, 13 Injured in Rituraj Hotel Fire
As per police officials, 14 bodies have been recovered so far. Of the 13 injured, one individual remains hospitalized while the rest were treated and discharged. The fire services and police personnel carried out a joint rescue operation, battling both the flames and the challenge of navigating through the densely packed Burrabazar lanes.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Commissioner Verma were seen on-site, personally overseeing the rescue and relief efforts.
Short Circuit Suspected as Cause of Fire
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the incident. A special probe team has been formed to examine the circumstances leading to the fire, including a full audit of the building's fire safety compliance.
Authorities are also working to determine whether the hotel had a valid fire safety certificate, and whether standard emergency protocols were in place and followed.
Calls for Stricter Fire Safety in Kolkata
In the wake of the tragedy, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has called for an urgent review of fire safety measures across the state.
“I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future,” Majumdar stated on social media.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the enforcement of fire safety regulations in old commercial zones like Burrabazar.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The incident has sparked a political backlash. West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar criticized the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, claiming negligence in ensuring basic safety infrastructure.
“There was no safety or security. I don't know what the corporation is doing,” Sarkar told reporters, demanding accountability and long-term solutions to prevent such disasters.
Hotel Fire in Kolkata Adds to City's Growing Fire Safety Concerns
This tragedy is yet another reminder of the fire hazards faced by businesses and residential buildings in overcrowded zones of Kolkata. Despite repeated warnings and previous fire incidents, experts say that enforcement of fire norms remains patchy.
The Mechua hotel fire now joins the list of recent fire-related tragedies in the state, prompting fresh debate around building safety, emergency preparedness, and government responsibility.
Conclusion
As the investigation into the Kolkata hotel fire continues, families mourn the loss of loved ones, and public pressure mounts on authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur. The 14 lives lost in Rituraj Hotel serve as a grim reminder that fire safety cannot be compromised, especially in densely populated commercial hubs.