At least 14 were killed and others injured in an inferno that engulfed Rituraj Hotel at Falpatti Machhua in central Burrabazar area in Kolkata on Tuesday night. The blaze spread panic among the guests and residents, who were many, many of them attempting to flee through windows and narrow platforms.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the number of casualties. “This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. at the premises of Rituraj Hotel. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams,” Verma informed reporters.
Rescue Ops Continue as Investigation Begins
The blaze, which was noticed at around 8:30 p.m., caused panic in the area, which is home to eastern India’s biggest wholesale market. “The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is underway. A special team has also been formed for the investigation,” the Kolkata Commissioner said.
VIDEO | West Bengal: Visuals from outside a hotel located on Madan Mohan Barman Street in the Mechuapatti area of Kolkata, where at least 14 people were killed and several others injured in a massive fire.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/lCjmHIcIUx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 30, 2025
Ten fire trucks were sent to put the fire under control, but firefighters were frustrated by the confined lanes in the locality. Two individuals were injured as they tried to leap from the fourth floor in a desperate attempt to escape the inferno.
Leaders Criticize Relaxed Safety Measures, Seek Responsibility
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar condemned the state government, seeking immediate rescue and review of fire safety guidelines. “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 wrote on X.
After the devastating fire at Burra Bazaar are in Kolkata claimed 14 lives (including children), who died in horrific agony, the ruling party @AITCofficial and Chief Minister herself is desperately trying to cover up their overall failure! It is being promoted that the Chief… pic.twitter.com/N0gJwy0Oif
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 30, 2025
West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar also criticized the authorities. “This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out…A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security…I don’t know what the corporation is doing,” he said to ANI.
