14 Dead in Kolkata Hotel Fire, Special Probe Team Set Up to Investigate Tragedy

The blaze at central Kolkata’s Rituraj Hotel has claimed 14 lives, prompting criticism over lax fire safety and a probe into the cause of the incident.

April 30, 2025: Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 14 Lives, Sparks Political Outrage and Probe

A devastating fire broke out at Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata around 8:15 PM on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 14 people, police confirmed. The blaze, now under control, triggered a massive emergency response and led to the formation of a special investigative team to determine the cause.

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Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma stated, “Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several individuals have been rescued. We have constituted a special team to carry out a thorough investigation.”

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Political Leaders Demand Accountability

The tragedy has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders.

Union Minister and Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar urged the state government to act swiftly. “Immediate rescue, medical care, and humanitarian support for the victims must be ensured,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms in the state.

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West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar also criticized the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, alleging negligence. “This is a tragic incident. There was no proper safety or security in place. What is the corporation doing?” he asked while speaking to ANI.

Background & Ongoing Developments

This tragic fire incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial establishments, particularly hotels in densely populated urban areas.

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Authorities have sealed off the site and begun preliminary inspections. Further updates are expected following the special team’s findings.

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Kolkata fire, Rituraj Hotel fire, hotel fire deaths, fire safety India, Kolkata Police, West Bengal government, Sukanta Majumdar, Subhankar Sarkar, fire investigation, Kolkata news