Who Were Arrested in Kolkata's Tragic Hotel Fire Incident?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Kolkata, the owner and manager of a hotel were arrested following a devastating fire that claimed 15 lives. The tragedy raises serious concerns about fire safety regulations and accountability in the hospitality sector. As investigations unfold, the implications for negligence are becoming increasingly clear.
Key Takeaways
- 15 lives lost in the devastating hotel fire.
- Owner and manager arrested for negligence.
- Fire safety measures were severely lacking.
- Investigation reveals expired fire licenses.
- Local authorities faced criticism for inaction.
Kolkata, May 1 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police arrested the owner and the manager of the hotel located on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata, where a catastrophic fire resulted in the loss of 15 lives. The individuals taken into custody are identified as Akash Chawla (owner) and Gaurav Kapur (manager), both of whom had been evading arrest since the fire erupted at the six-story hotel on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday night, the state's fire services department lodged a complaint against the two at the local Jorasanko Police Station, accusing them of severe negligence in adhering to the basic fire safety regulations required for any hotel establishment.
In addition, the Kolkata Police initiated a suo motu FIR against the owner and manager.
Charges have been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide, with many of these charges being non-bailable, as confirmed by a senior official from the Kolkata Police.
Meanwhile, police sources have stated that the identities of 13 individuals who perished in the fire have been identified, while efforts continue to ascertain the identities of the remaining two victims.
Among the deceased, many were from outside the state, predominantly from Tamil Nadu, and the tragic toll includes one woman and two children.
The state fire services minister, Sujit Bose, along with the director general, Ranveer Kumar, acknowledged significant failures in fire safety management at the hotel.
It was revealed that the hotel's fire license expired three years ago, and the management neglected to renew it. Furthermore, the fire alarm system was non-operational, and the fire-extinguishing equipment failed to work during the critical moments.
Initial investigations have uncovered additional major shortcomings in emergency evacuation protocols and ventilation systems, leading to the majority of fatalities being attributed to smoke suffocation rather than burns.
Local residents have claimed that despite numerous complaints regarding illegal constructions associated with the hotel, no action was taken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation or local police to avert this calamity.
Point of View
I stand firmly with our commitment to reporting on issues that affect the community. This tragic incident not only highlights the urgent need for stricter fire safety regulations in the hotel industry but also stresses the importance of accountability for negligence. We must ensure that such a disaster never occurs again.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main causes of the hotel fire in Kolkata?
Initial investigations revealed significant lapses in fire safety measures, including an expired fire license, non-functional alarms, and inadequate emergency evacuation protocols.
How many people died in the Kolkata hotel fire?
The tragic fire resulted in the loss of 15 lives, including one woman and two children.
Who has been arrested in connection with the fire?
The police have arrested the hotel owner, Akash Chawla, and the manager, Gaurav Kapur, for gross negligence.
What actions are being taken against the hotel management?
Charges have been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide, with many being non-bailable.
What has been the response from local authorities?
Local authorities, including the state fire services minister, have admitted severe lapses in fire safety management and are conducting thorough investigations.
