A devastating fire on Republic Day gutted two warehouses in Nazirabad, killing at least 25 people and leaving families waiting for DNA identification of remains. Authorities have arrested three individuals amid questions over fire safety lapses. Political leaders have offered condolences and compensation while pointing to systemic issues.
The fire erupted around 3 am on January 26 in one of the warehouses in Nazirabad on Kolkata's outskirts, rapidly spreading to the adjacent structure due to stored inflammable materials. One warehouse belonged to Wow Momo, while the other was owned by Pushpanjali Decorators. Officials noted the absence of basic fire safety measures, including no proper licenses for some facilities in the area.
Recovery efforts continue as the Central Forensic Science Laboratory conducts DNA tests on 25 charred body parts to match with samples from 27 missing persons' relatives. Fire services used cranes and gas cutters to clear debris, with police enforcing restrictions to manage crowds.
Three arrests followed: Gangadhar Das, owner of Pushpanjali Decorators, and two Wow Momo employees, deputy manager Raja Chakraborty and warehouse manager Manoranjan Sheet. Investigators are examining their locations during the blaze.
Survivors described chaos, with one relative claiming, 'He said they were trapped inside, the door was locked from the outside, and that there was no more time.' Another survivor recounted, 'We ran to the gate, managed to pry it open and ran for help.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for deceased families, while the Trinamool Congress offered Rs 10 lakh. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose visited the site, stating, 'There has been failure on the part of the authorities concerned.' Wow Momo claimed the fire originated from the neighboring warehouse due to unauthorized cooking and confirmed losses of two employees and a security guard, pledging compensation.
The incident has sparked political reactions ahead of assembly elections, with BJP leading protests over lapses and CPI(M) questioning arrests. The area, once wetlands, has seen recent industrial growth.
