Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Malviya has targeted the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the devastating fire that occurred in Kolkata’s Anandapur area on January 26, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the tragedy. The fire at two adjacent warehouse facilities has drawn political attention amid disagreements over the number of casualties and the state administration’s response.
The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of January 26, originated at a warehouse in the Nazirabad part of Anandapur and quickly spread to an adjoining godown used by a quick-service food chain and packaged goods company. Fire officials and police are investigating the exact cause, but preliminary reports indicate the fire began due to unauthorised cooking activities at the neighbouring warehouse.
Initially, local police and the affected food company confirmed that three people lost their lives in the incident, including two employees and a contracted security guard of the company. The fire completely destroyed the warehouse premises used by the food-service firm.
On social media, a group identified by the BJP as being supported by the ruling Trinamool Congress allegedly claimed that 50 people had died in the fire, a statement that Malviya described as misinformation and “explosive.” He shared posts on X asserting that the claim was being circulated to distort facts and politicise the tragedy.
Malviya criticised the state government for what he called a “lacklustre response” and argued that the focus should be on justice, relief for victims’ families and a full inquiry rather than political commentary. He went on to demand that the investigation be handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) monitored by the Supreme Court, pointing to alleged administrative lapses and delays. Malviya also questioned why the local minister responsible for fire services took an extended period before visiting the accident site, describing such delays as “unacceptable.”
While political leaders debate the handling of the incident, the affected food company has stated it is providing compensation and support to the families of the deceased. The company confirmed in official statements that the fire started in the neighbouring warehouse and spread rapidly to its own premises. It announced a compensation package that includes a lump-sum payment to each affected family, lifelong monthly salary support for the bereaved and educational assistance for the children. The company also pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities in ongoing investigations.
Local authorities have stated that police investigations are ongoing, and relevant officials are cooperating with fire services and forensic teams to establish the sequence of events leading to the fire. Meanwhile, the state government has also announced support measures for families affected, including financial assistance pending identification of remains.
The incident has sparked broader discussions on warehouse safety and regulatory compliance, with some voices calling for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards. As the political debate continues, authorities remain focused on concluding the investigation, supporting affected families and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
