Kolkata: Preliminary findings by the Kolkata Police and Fire Brigade have pointed to several alleged safety lapses at the building where a deadly fire
claimed nine lives in the early hours of Wednesday. According to police sources, the G+4 building had no fire licence and had not undergone a fire safety audit. The blaze reportedly broke out on the second floor of the building. Investigators have also found that walls had allegedly been constructed in a manner that blocked an emergency fire exit, potentially hampering evacuation and rescue efforts during the blaze. The decades-old building, estimated to be around 70-80 years old, was reportedly being used to operate nearly 10 guest houses. Police sources further said that around four to five air conditioners were being operated through a single permitted electricity connection, raising further questions about the building's electrical safety. Around 60 people were evacuated from the premises during the rescue operation, while nine people died in the fire. Police sources said that some of the deceased may have been Bangladeshi nationals. The Fire Department is reportedly preparing to submit a complaint to the police over the alleged violations and lapses. Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have registered a suo motu case in connection with the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also being formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire and the alleged safety violations. The SIT will be headed by IPS officer Shailaja Das, Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department, police sources said. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and determine responsibility for the alleged safety lapses.
