What Caused the Kolkata Warehouse Fire? Death Toll Hits 25 as NHRC Takes Action
Synopsis
The tragic fire at the Anandapur warehouse in Kolkata has led to a rising death toll of 25, prompting the NHRC to intervene. As investigations unfold, the state grapples with the implications of negligence and regulatory failures. What steps will be taken next to ensure accountability and justice for the victims?
Key Takeaways
25 fatalities reported due to the fire in Kolkata.
NHRC intervention highlights serious human rights concerns.
Investigations reveal fire did not start in the Wow Momo factory.
Protests planned to demand accountability from authorities.
Several individuals remain missing, raising fears of further casualties.
Kolkata, Jan 30 (NationPress) - As the toll from the devastating fire at the Anandapur warehouse on the southern fringes of Kolkata has tragically climbed to 25 on Friday morning, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. The commission has instructed the District Magistrate to provide an action taken report promptly.
The NHRC's intervention was prompted by a complaint alleging severe human rights violations linked to the Wow Momo factory in Anandapur.
In a communication directed to the District Magistrate of the South 24 Parganas district, the commission indicated that the complaint attributed the disaster to gross negligence by the factory's management and regulatory failures by the state's fire services, labor departments, urban planning authorities, and local administration.
The NHRC emphasized that the allegations suggest serious violations of the Factories Act and the Disaster Management Act, noting that the claims appear to infringe upon the human rights of the affected individuals.
Currently, officials from the state disaster management agency report that several individuals remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll may continue to increase throughout the day.
This afternoon, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly plans to hold a protest rally in the Anandapur area. Initially, the police had denied permission for this event; however, after intervention from the Calcutta High Court, permission was granted under specific conditions.
On Thursday, the fire department and forensic teams presented their preliminary findings, revealing that the fire did not originate from the Wow Momo factory but rather from the adjacent Pushpanjali decorator's warehouse.
Despite claims from the warehouse owner, Gangadhar Das, asserting that the fire started at the momo factory, both forensic and fire department investigations contradicted this assertion.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the gravity of this incident in Kolkata. The NHRC's involvement underscores the need for accountability and a thorough investigation into regulatory failures. We must advocate for the rights of the victims and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Anandapur warehouse fire?
A significant fire broke out at a warehouse in Anandapur, Kolkata, resulting in a rising death toll currently at 25.
What is the NHRC's role in this incident?
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of the fire and has requested an action taken report from the District Magistrate.
Are there still people missing after the fire?
Yes, several individuals remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about the possibility of the death toll increasing.
What caused the fire?
Preliminary reports indicate the fire originated from the Pushpanjali decorator's warehouse, not the Wow Momo factory.
What actions are being taken to address this incident?
The NHRC is investigating allegations of negligence and regulatory failures linked to the incident and has emphasized the need for accountability.
