Suspension in Kolkata Fire Incident Sparks Wider Crackdown on Illegal Constructions

In the aftermath of a fatal fire at a Kolkata leather factory, a senior fire department official has been suspended for negligence. The incident, which led to two deaths, has prompted local authorities to demolish illegal structures and arrest factory owners, while broader crackdowns on unauthorized constructions are underway.

The suspension of a senior fire department official, Gautam Das, has been announced in connection to a deadly fire at a leather factory in Kolkata's Tiljala area. The fire, which resulted in two fatalities, has spurred a crackdown on illegal constructions in the city.

The factory, which was operating without an approved building plan, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, leading to panic among locals. Despite a significant firefighting response, multiple operational shortcomings were identified.

The authorities are stepping up measures to address illegal constructions citywide, under the directive of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, with demolitions already underway in several areas, including Tiljala.