Kolkata Hotel Shikha-In Fire Owner Arrested in Jharkhand
Kolkata police have arrested Birbhoot Mitra, the owner of Hotel Shikha-Inn, in connection with a devastating fire that claimed nine lives in the city's Mirzapur area. The incident occurred on a Tuesday night when a massive blaze engulfed the multi-story hotel, trapping guests and staff inside. Preliminary investigations revealed multiple safety violations, including the absence of proper firefighting equipment and emergency exits. The hotel, located on Mirza Ghalib Street, was reportedly operating without valid permits and lacked essential safety certifications. Following the tragedy, Mitra fled to Dhanbad in Jharkhand, where he remained hidden for several days before being apprehended by law enforcement. Authorities discovered that the building had been modified without proper authorization, creating hazardous conditions that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Neighbors reported that the hotel frequently hosted tourists and business travelers, many of whom were unaware of the dangerous conditions. The investigation also uncovered financial irregularities, suggesting the owner had been collecting rent from multiple tenants while ignoring safety protocols. Local officials have launched a comprehensive review of hotel licensing procedures in Kolkata, particularly targeting establishments in heritage buildings. The arrested individual is expected to face charges including culpable homicide, criminal negligence, and violation of fire safety regulations. This incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and mandatory safety audits for commercial accommodations across West Bengal. The families of the victims have expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed response and are demanding swift justice. The tragedy has also highlighted the urgent need for improved coordination between municipal authorities and fire departments to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key Highlights
- Hotel Shikha-Inn owner Birbhoot Mitra arrested after deadly fire kills 9 people
- Fire broke out Tuesday night in Kolkata's Mirzapur area, revealing major safety violations
- Owner had fled to Dhanbad in Jharkhand before being apprehended by police
- Investigation found hotel operating without valid permits and lacking fire safety equipment
- Incident prompts review of hotel licensing and building safety regulations in West Bengal
Source: প্রথম আলো
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