Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 26 June 2025, announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the nine workers killed in the collapse of an under-construction warehouse roof in Taratala, south Kolkata. An additional ₹50,000 each has been announced for the 20 people injured in the incident, with funds drawn from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

What the Prime Minister Said

Modi shared his condolences and the relief announcement via a post on X, with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirming the details. 'The mishap in Kolkata yesterday is saddening. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each will be given from PMNRF to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the mishap. The injured would be given Rs 50,000. The state government is working around the clock to ensure that those affected receive all possible assistance,' the post read.

Key Developments in the Rescue Operation

The roof of the under-construction warehouse caved in on Wednesday afternoon, trapping approximately 40 workers inside. Rescue operations continued for nearly 24 hours and were still underway on Thursday morning. Personnel from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kolkata Police, fire services, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation have been engaged in the effort. Special radar equipment has been deployed to locate survivors, and sniffer dogs have been on site since Wednesday. According to sources, three to four workers are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

Police Action and Legal Proceedings

According to Kolkata Police, the confirmed death toll stands at nine, with 20 workers hospitalised — two of them in critical condition — at SSKM Hospital. Authorities have arrested five persons in connection with the collapse. A suo motu First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide and attempt to commit culpable homicide. Kolkata Police have also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances of the collapse.

Broader Context and What It Signals

The Taratala collapse is the latest in a series of construction-site tragedies in Indian cities, raising renewed questions about structural safety protocols and contractor oversight at large warehousing projects. This comes amid rapid expansion of logistics and warehousing infrastructure across major metros, where enforcement of safety norms has historically lagged behind the pace of construction. The formation of an SIT signals that authorities are treating the incident as potentially involving criminal negligence rather than a routine accident.

What Happens Next

Rescue operations are expected to continue until all trapped workers are accounted for. The SIT probe will likely examine building permits, structural inspection records, and contractor accountability. The state government, according to the PMO, is coordinating closely with central agencies to ensure all affected families receive timely assistance.