Kolkata: Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar on Friday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, holding the administration responsible for the devastating fire incident in Anandapur.
Referring to the massive fire at a warehouse in Anandapur on the social media platform X, Majumdar questioned the government’s silence and lack of accountability. He wrote, “From comfortably walking the corridors of power at a business summit in Spain to the deep silence after bodies were found in an Anandapur warehouse, these moments reveal a bitter truth.”
He further stated, “Is the law only for warehouse managers and deputy managers? In West Bengal, those close to power avoid accountability. They move freely while the most vulnerable are repeatedly made scapegoats. When influence overpowers law, justice becomes the first victim.”
The post relates to the horrific fire on the early morning of January 26, which engulfed a decorators’ warehouse and an adjacent momo company’s warehouse. The blaze was so intense that several workers were burnt alive. Over 25 charred bodies have been recovered so far, with many more still missing.
The police have arrested several individuals, including the manager and deputy manager of the momo factory. DNA tests are underway to identify the victims.
Majumdar’s remarks also hinted at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent Spain trip, where she participated in a business summit. He alleged that despite grand claims, law and order in the state is in shambles. The safety of vulnerable labourers is neglected, while those close to power receive protection.
The BJP leader emphasised that when the law is influenced, justice suffers first.
The Anandapur fire has caused widespread alarm across West Bengal. Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the site, calling it a failure of the authorities. Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded a high-level investigation into the incident and punishment for senior officials responsible for violating fire safety regulations.
Leave a Comment