Kolkata Police Arrests Hotel Owner Over Fire That Killed Nine
Authorities have arrested the owner of the Shika Inn hotel in Kolkata following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of nine people, including seven Bangladeshi nationals. The arrest comes as part of a broader crackdown on safety violations in the New Market area.
Kolkata police have successfully apprehended Bireswar Mitra, the owner of the Shika Inn hotel, in connection with a tragic fire incident that resulted in the deaths of nine individuals. Among the total fatalities recorded in the disaster, seven victims were confirmed to be citizens of Bangladesh, highlighting the severe international impact of the localized tragedy. The fire broke out at the hotel premises located in the bustling New Market area of Kolkata, drawing immediate attention from emergency responders and local authorities.
Following the deadly blaze, the primary suspect and hotel owner Bireswar Mitra initially fled the state to evade law enforcement. He traveled to Dhanbad in the neighboring state of Jharkhand, where he remained in hiding before eventually deciding to return to Kolkata. Upon his return, local police tracked his movements and successfully arrested him at his personal residence situated on Diamond Harbour Road in the Behala area of the city.
Investigations into the operations of the tragedy-stricken establishment revealed further details regarding its management and structure. The primary hotel property, encompassing a notably small space of just 1,100 square feet, was leased out for a monthly rental rate of 40,000 rupees. Prior to the apprehension of the owner Bireswar Mitra, law enforcement officers had already taken another key individual into custody, arresting a man named Abu Jafar who had taken the hotel on lease.
The aftermath of the deadly incident has triggered widespread administrative actions across the commercial district. West Bengal Housing and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul provided critical updates regarding ongoing safety operations in the zone, revealing that authorities have launched comprehensive inspections. As a direct result of these intensive enforcement operations, a total of 17 hotels operating within the New Market area have been ordered to shut down, while the respective managements have been issued formal show-cause notices for failing to comply with mandatory safety standards.
The sequence of arrests and subsequent closures underscores a rigorous response by local authorities and government officials following the fatal fire at the Shika Inn hotel. With the hotel owner now in police custody alongside the leaseholder Abu Jafar, the investigation continues to address accountability for the nine lives lost, including the seven Bangladeshi nationals. Meanwhile, the ongoing administrative crackdown aims to prevent similar catastrophes by targeting unauthorized or hazardous lodging facilities across the New Market sector.
