Kolkata Hotel Fire Tragedy: 14 Dead, Several Injured as Blaz

A devastating fire tore through Rituraj Hotel in the Mechuapatti area of central Kolkata on the night of April 29, 2025, leaving at least 14 people dead and 13 others injured, including two individuals who jumped from the upper floors to escape the inferno. The incident has sparked national mourning, triggered a political storm, and led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the cause.

VIDEO | Kolkata: A massive fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata's Mechuapatti area on Tuesday night. At least 15 bodies have been recovered so far, Police Commissioner Manoj Verma said.

Several people were seen trying to escape through the windows and narrow ledges of… pic.twitter.com/aHyws4JHLX— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 30, 2025

Fire Breaks Out at Prime Evening Hour

According to police and fire officials, the blaze began around 7:30 PM, when the hotel was fully operational, housing 88 guests across 42 rooms. Initial reports placed the time of the fire at 8:15 PM, but further investigation clarified it started earlier.

The flames spread rapidly through the multi-story hotel located near Falpatti Machhua, catching many guests and staff unaware. Visuals from the scene depicted chaos and desperation, with people climbing out of windows and clinging to narrow ledges to escape the smoke and fire.

West Bengal | Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner, says, "This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. 14 bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams. The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is… https://t.co/bdOyqIYE9I pic.twitter.com/gujWPSnW7l— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025

Rescue Operation: Ladders, Firefighting, and a Desperate Struggle

The Kolkata Fire Department deployed ten fire tenders, and the operation to bring the fire under control took nearly eight hours, with the blaze finally doused at 3:30 AM the following morning. Rescue teams used ladders and breathing apparatuses to reach guests trapped on the upper floors. Many of them were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out.

Two individuals suffered injuries after leaping from the fourth floor in a desperate attempt to survive. Overall, 13 people sustained injuries, adding to the scale of the tragedy.

Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM…— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2025

Death Toll and Victim Details

The confirmed death toll stands at 14, including 11 men, one woman, and two children, according to Kolkata Police. Of the deceased, eight individuals have been identified so far. The rest of the victims’ identities are being verified through forensic and official records.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma stated:

"Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued. The rescue operation is complete, but an investigation is ongoing."

Investigation Underway: SIT Formed, Forensic Probe Ordered

Authorities have since sealed the hotel premises, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the cause of the fire. The origin of the blaze remains undetermined, pending a full forensic examination of the building.

"Our forensic team will conduct an investigation. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained yet. The building has been cordoned off," a senior police officer told PTI.

Political Fallout: BJP and Congress Slam TMC Over Safety Lapses

The fire incident has led to widespread political outrage, particularly targeting the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

BJP's Response

Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister, demanded immediate action and accountability:

“I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.”

Congress' Criticism

Subhankar Sarkar, West Bengal Congress President, also criticised the civic body:

“This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out... A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security... I don’t know what the corporation is doing.”

I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Manoj Paswan (aged 40), in a horrific fire at a hotel in the Mechua area of Kolkata’s Burrabazar. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray to the Almighty for the Sadhgati of his departed soul.

I…— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 29, 2025

PM Modi Condoles Loss, Announces Ex-Gratia Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and announced financial compensation for the victims’ families.

“Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the PMO said on X (formerly Twitter).

As a relief measure, Modi approved:

₹2 lakh ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.
₹50,000 for each of the injured victims.

A Tragedy That Demands Accountability and Reform

The Rituraj Hotel fire has once again raised urgent concerns about fire safety standards and building regulation enforcement in metropolitan areas. As investigations proceed, the families of the victims, along with the nation, await answers—and justice.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies