Is Bengal Police Taking Action? SIT Formed to Investigate Kolkata Warehouse Fire
Synopsis
A tragic fire at a Kolkata warehouse has led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team by Bengal Police. With 25 lives lost and several still missing, this investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident amidst political accusations. Will justice be served?
Key Takeaways
25 fatalities due to a warehouse fire in Kolkata.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the incident.
Accusations of political protection for the factory owner.
Three individuals arrested, including factory management.
Conflicting reports on the fire's origin.
Kolkata, Jan 31 (NationPress) In response to widespread criticism, the West Bengal Police established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Saturday to investigate the catastrophic fire that occurred at the Wow Momo factory-cum-warehouse in Anandapur, located on the southern fringes of Kolkata. The incident has sadly resulted in 25 fatalities, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for.
This move follows accusations from Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a public gathering in Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas district, where he claimed that the police were protecting the Momo Company’s owner, who is reportedly a close associate of the ruling party’s top brass.
Sources within the state police indicated that the SIT will function under the direct oversight of Shubhendra Kumar, the superintendent of Baruipur Police District, which encompasses the site of the tragic event.
The SIT will also include two additional superintendents from Baruipur Police District, the inspector-in-charge of the Narendrapur Police Station, and the current investigating officer.
“Three individuals have already been apprehended in connection with this case, and are currently being interrogated. The special team will expedite the investigation to prepare a chargesheet as quickly as possible,” stated a police official.
Among those arrested are Monoranjan Sit, the factory’s manager, and Raja Chakraborty, the deputy manager. The third detainee, Gangadhar Das, is the owner of the adjacent Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse.
Preliminary reports from the state fire services and forensic teams revealed that the fire did not originate from the Wow Momo factory, but rather from the adjoining Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse. However, Das has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that the fire initially spread from the Momo factory.
Point of View
The establishment of the SIT in response to the recent fire incident reflects the need for accountability and transparency in such tragic events. The intersections of local politics and law enforcement must be scrutinized to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the fire at the Wow Momo warehouse?
Initial reports suggest that the fire originated from the adjacent Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, although this is disputed by the owner.
How many people have died as a result of the fire?
The tragic incident has claimed the lives of 25 individuals, with several others still unaccounted for.
What is the role of the Special Investigation Team?
The SIT is tasked with thoroughly investigating the fire incident and preparing a chargesheet as soon as possible.
Who has been arrested in connection with the incident?
Three individuals, including the factory manager and deputy manager, have been arrested and are currently being interrogated.
What are the political implications of this incident?
The incident has raised questions about the relationship between local law enforcement and political figures, particularly regarding claims of protection for the factory owner.
