Deadly Fire at Rituraj Hotel Kolkata Exposes Shocking Negligence—14 Lives Lost in Preventable Tragedy

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Deadly Blaze at Rituraj Hotel Kolkata Claims 14 Lives: A Wake-Up Call for Fire Safety Compliance

Kolkata, April 30, 2025 — In one of the deadliest fire incidents the city has witnessed in recent years, a massive blaze engulfed the Rituraj Hotel in Mechua Bazar on Tuesday night, killing at least 14 people and injuring several others. The tragic event has sent shockwaves across Kolkata and ignited urgent calls for accountability and improved fire safety enforcement.

How the Tragedy Unfolded at Rituraj Hotel Kolkata

rituraj hotel kolkata

The fire reportedly broke out around 8:15 p.m. on the fourth floor of the five-story Rituraj Hotel Kolkata in the heart of Barabazar—eastern India’s busiest wholesale market. The hotel, frequently used by outstation traders, was fully occupied at the time.

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes as smoke quickly engulfed the premises, leaving occupants with few escape options. In a desperate attempt to flee, some guests broke windows, climbed ledges, or tried reaching the rooftop. One long-serving employee, 40-year-old Manoj Paswan from Jharkhand, tragically died after jumping from the terrace.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the recovery of 14 bodies—comprising 11 men, one woman, and two children—many of whom likely succumbed to smoke inhalation. At least 25 people were rescued, several in critical condition, and are receiving treatment at RG Kar Hospital and Neel Ratan Sarkar Medical College.

Despite the prompt deployment of 10 fire tenders, access to the site was hampered by the area’s congested lanes. Firefighters used hydraulic ladders and broke through windows to save those trapped. Residents also played a role, using flashlights from windows to draw attention and aid rescue teams.

Investigations and Possible Causes

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a short circuit on the fourth floor of Rituraj Hotel Kolkata, though unverified reports point to a possible gas leak in the hotel kitchen. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the incident. Meanwhile, police are searching for the hotel owner, who has gone missing since the fire broke out.

Cooling operations and a thorough search for more victims continued into Wednesday morning. Forensic experts are now examining the site to determine the exact cause.

Political Reactions and Public Outrage

The incident has triggered a political storm. Opposition parties have slammed the state government and Kolkata Municipal Corporation for alleged failures in enforcing fire safety regulations.

BJP State President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar extended condolences and urged immediate medical and humanitarian aid for the victims. He also called for a “comprehensive review and strict monitoring” of fire safety compliance across West Bengal.

Congress State President Subhankar Sarkar condemned the lack of basic safety measures in the hotel. “This tragedy could have been prevented. There was no safety or security,” he stated. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh went further, calling the incident a “murder,” citing chronic corruption and negligence in fire certification.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Verma visited the site, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, away in Digha at the time, has taken cognisance of the incident. The state government has pledged support for the families of the deceased, but public anger continues to rise.

Recurring Fire Safety Failures

This incident has drawn grim comparisons to the 2010 Stephen Court fire that claimed 43 lives. It also comes just two days after another fire broke out in a nearby warehouse, though no casualties were reported.

Locals and opposition leaders allege that the Rituraj Hotel Kolkata lacked even basic fire safety infrastructure, such as alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. A report by The Daily Star highlighted this as part of a broader national problem, where disregard for fire safety norms continues to cost lives.

Looking Ahead: Demands for Reform

As the city mourns, the focus shifts to accountability and reform. Forensic teams are conducting thorough examinations, and post-mortem reports of the victims are awaited. The SIT’s findings are expected to influence future policy changes regarding fire safety in commercial buildings.

Among the victims, the loss of Manoj Paswan has resonated deeply—both with his grieving family and with the hotel’s long-time staff. “This is not just another accident. It’s a wake-up call,” said one resident.

The Rituraj Hotel tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to prioritise public safety over negligence and to enforce fire safety norms with zero tolerance.

Deadly Fire at Rituraj Hotel Kolkata Exposes Shocking Negligence—14 Lives Lost in Preventable Tragedy