Kolkata fire tragedy: PM Modi announces aid, Guv flags safety lapses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to be given to the families of those killed in the warehouse fire in Anandapur. He also announced Rs 50,000 to those injured. "The recent fire mishap in West Bengal's Anandapur is very tragic and saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. 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," a statement issued from PMO said and posted on its official X account. The financial compensation will be given from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

In Andapur's Nazirabad fire accident, 25 people died while several persons are still missing. The state government had announced a compensation of Rs 10,00,000 for each of the victims' families.

Bengal Governor visits the spot

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the accident spot on Friday morning and emphasised the fire safety issues. “The recent tragedy at a warehouse in Nazirabad, near Kolkata — where 25 lives have reportedly been lost and 27 remain missing — is a haunting echo of past disasters that have stained our collective conscience,” Bose said in a statement. “Mandatory fitness certificates must become non-negotiable. Authorities should conduct rigorous physical inspections—rather than perfunctory paperwork exercises—before certifying any public, commercial, or industrial structure. All fire-fighting equipment must be verified as perfectly operable before occupancy is allowed,” Bose said.

The BJP held a mega rally, led by LoP Suvendu Adhikari on the issue demanding the arrest of the Momo company owner. Adhikari also questioned why the CM has not visited the spot.