Kolkata, May 14: Following a fire incident in the Tiljala area of Kolkata, the officer in charge of the Pragati Maidan Fire Station has been suspended. Officials announced on Thursday that the Director General of the state’s Fire and Emergency Services issued a notification stating that Gautam Das, the station officer, was suspended due to negligence in duty.
The notification also highlighted serious lapses in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing fire safety regulations at the Pragati Maidan Fire Station. Fire department officials have ordered Das’s immediate suspension and initiated a departmental inquiry, which is expected to be completed within a month.
During the suspension period, Gautam Das will remain at the fire department headquarters and will not be allowed to leave without permission from the authorities.
On Tuesday afternoon, a fire broke out on the second floor of a multi-story building housing a leather factory located at 50/1 GJ Khan Road in Topsia. The fire spread rapidly, trapping five individuals inside. Local residents alerted the fire department as soon as the blaze was detected. Sources indicate that the fire department received information about the incident around 1:45 PM.
Multiple fire engines arrived at the scene promptly. Due to the intensity of the fire, rescuers faced significant challenges in evacuating those trapped inside. Firefighters managed to rescue the individuals, but they were found in critical condition and were transported to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. Doctors confirmed the death of two victims, while three others remain in serious condition.
In the aftermath of the fire, a bulldozer was employed to demolish the illegal factory operating within the residential building. This demolition began just 30 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the factory was operating unlawfully. He ordered the structure’s demolition, which commenced shortly thereafter. Police forces were deployed in the area to ensure the demolition proceeded without incident, along with the presence of central forces.
The newly formed state government established an inquiry committee on Tuesday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Based on the report, Chief Minister Suvendu stated on Wednesday afternoon that the Tiljala factory lacked any building plans and did not have basic fire safety measures in place. He emphasized that the factory was operating entirely illegally.
Police have already arrested Zafar Nisar, the owner of the leather factory, in connection with the fire incident.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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