What Happened at the Anandapur Warehouses? NHRC Team and Adhir Chowdhury Visit Fire Site
Synopsis
A tragic fire at the Anandapur warehouses claimed 27 lives, prompting a visit from the NHRC and former MP Adhir Chowdhury. The incident raises questions about safety regulations and government accountability. Discover the unfolding story and the implications for local governance.
Key Takeaways
The NHRC visited the Anandapur fire site to investigate.
Former MP Adhir Chowdhury criticized government negligence.
27 lives were lost due to the fire at the warehouse.
The fire service struggled to control the blaze for over 32 hours.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Kolkata, February 3 (NationPress) A three-member team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) visited the site of the Anandapur warehouse fire incident on Tuesday to assess the aftermath. The location was also inspected by former MP Adhir Chowdhury.
As per police reports, the NHRC delegation arrived in West Bengal on Monday afternoon. During the evening, they convened a meeting with the District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas. The following day, they proceeded to the incident site in Anandapur, where they analyzed the situation and collected crucial evidence.
It is anticipated that they will soon meet with the Superintendent of Police for the Baruipur Police District.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former MP Adhir Chowdhury also visited the site on Tuesday. He placed direct blame on the state government for its complicity in this tragic event that claimed the lives of 27 individuals.
However, the police restricted his access to the actual fire site. Speaking to journalists outside the Anandapur warehouse, Chowdhury remarked, "Such a significant incident occurred right in the heart of Kolkata. It is inconceivable for a factory to be illegally constructed on a wetland without the full backing of the ruling party."
He raised concerns about the absence of fire safety protocols in the factory and questioned why the authorities remained unaware of the factory's ownership and the number of workers employed there. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress leaders of creating a hazardous environment by violating regulations.
Chowdhury criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her absence at the fire site, stating, "So many lives were lost just a few kilometers from the city center, yet the Chief Minister hasn’t visited even once. She has established herself as a heartless and callous leader. Instead of mourning, she's busy with political theatrics in Delhi."
The fire erupted at the Pushpanjali Decorator's warehouse and Wow Momo factory during the early hours of January 26.
Despite the urgency of the situation, the fire service struggled for 32 hours to control the blaze, deploying twelve fire engines continuously. Tragically, workers were trapped inside the warehouses and perished in the flames.
The Narendrapur police have since arrested the manager and deputy manager of the momo manufacturing company. Earlier, the owner of the Pushpanjali Decorator's warehouse, Gangadhar Das, was also taken into custody.
Point of View
It is imperative to uphold journalistic integrity while reporting on this tragic incident. The loss of 27 lives due to alleged negligence raises significant concerns about safety regulations and governmental accountability. It is crucial to approach such sensitive topics with careful consideration and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Anandapur warehouse fire?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it has raised serious concerns about safety regulations in the area.
How many people died in the fire?
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals.
What actions have been taken by authorities?
The NHRC has sent a delegation to assess the situation, and several arrests have been made, including the warehouse owner.
What criticism has been directed at the state government?
Former MP Adhir Chowdhury has accused the government of negligence and complicity in allowing unsafe conditions.
What safety measures were lacking in the warehouse?
Reports suggest that there were insufficient fire safety measures in place, which contributed to the high casualty rate.
