New Delhi [India], April 30 : Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government over the massive fire incident in Kolkata's Burra Bazar area, likening it to the mythological 'Laksha Griha', and blaming the administration for rampant lawlessness and negligence.
Speaking to reporters, Majumdar expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents in the city.
"It was a major fire incident... such incidents keep happening there again and again. Especially the Burra Bazar area has been turned into 'Laksha Griha'," he said, referring to the combustible house from the Mahabharata made with an intent to trap the Pandavas.
Lashing out at the state leadership, Majumdar said, "What is happening in West Bengal? Who is responsible for this? The Chief Minister should at least take the responsibility."
He also targeted the state's fire brigade officials, alleging they were more interested in personal celebrations than public safety. "Her fire brigade ministers are busy making Puja pandals and celebrating his birthday by inviting artists," he remarked.
Majumdar thanked the central government for announcing ex-gratia relief to the victims' families and acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swift response. "I thank the central government for declaring the ex-gratia and thank the PM for that," he said.
Citing preliminary information, Majumdar stated that as many as 15 people had lost their lives in the incident. "As per my information, a total of 15 people have died. The Commissioner of Police has mentioned that they have recovered 15 dead bodies. So I am going by that only," he added.
Earlier, CM Mamata Banerjee announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 Lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.
"Continuing to monitor the fallout of the unfortunate fire incident at a private hotel (Rituraj) in the Burra Bazar area and appreciate the Fire Services' and police efforts in rescuing around 99 persons from the most adverse circumstances. We are also thankful to the local people for their cooperation and assistance in the rescue operations. It has been preliminarily reported to me that those who died were victims of suffocation/ jumping, etc. Further investigations are going on. The State Government will provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, while injured persons will receive Rs 50,000 each. Reiterate my condolences and solidarity," she said in a post on X.
TMC General Secretary Abhishekh Banerjee also offered his condolences to the victims
"Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire at Mechhua. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured. The state administration, along with volunteers from various organisations, is making every effort to support those affected and to ensure effective relief and rehabilitation. In this difficult hour, we stand in unwavering solidarity with all those impacted,' he said.
The fire broke out at Hotel Rituraj in Kolkata's Burra Bazar area on Tuesday night and took hours to bring under control, leaving 14 people dead.