A deadly fire tore through warehouses in Kolkata, killing at least 21 people. As arrests are made and DNA tests begin, PM Modi’s response and questions over safety lapses have put the spotlight on the tragedy.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia for kin of those killed in Kolkata warehouse fire
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the devastating warehouse fire in Kolkata’s Anandapur area that has claimed at least 21 lives. Describing the incident as “very tragic” and “saddening,” the Prime Minister extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
In a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, PM Modi announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). An ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the fire will receive Rs 50,000 each.
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The massive fire broke out late on the night of January 26 at a manufacturing unit of Wow! Momo and two adjoining godowns in the Anandapur area of Kolkata. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. However, the intensity of the fire caused extensive damage to the premises, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The recent fire mishap in Anandapur, West Bengal is very tragic and saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 30, 2026
Police officials said the situation inside the gutted buildings made rescue and recovery operations extremely challenging. Several bodies were recovered from the site, though authorities said the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed.
According to the police, the death count currently stands at 21, but officials cautioned that the final figure will be confirmed only after forensic examinations. “We have recovered body parts which may belong to one or multiple individuals. DNA tests are necessary to ascertain the exact number of victims,” a senior officer said.
The remains have been sent for forensic analysis, and the identification process is underway.
As part of the investigation, police have arrested Gangadhar Das, the owner of the premises and the decorator firm operating at the site. In addition, two senior officials of the Wow! Momo manufacturing unit manager Manoranjan Sheet and deputy manager Raja Chakraborty have been taken into custody by Narendrapur police for questioning.
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Authorities are probing possible safety violations and lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the fire-hit area earlier in the day. While calling his visit a fact-finding exercise, he criticised the authorities, stating that repeated incidents of such nature indicate systemic failures in enforcement and safety oversight.
The investigation into the fire continues as concerns grow over industrial safety standards in the state.
