Kolkata warehouse collapse: Death toll rises to 11, Five arrested as SIT begins probe

The under-construction warehouse in Taratala collapsed near Brace Bridge, leaving 19 others injured and triggering questions over construction approvals and safety checks.

Kolkata: The death toll in the tragic collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata’s Taratala area has climbed to 11, while 19 others have sustained injuries. Kolkata Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident and launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the disaster.

The collapse was reported near Brace Bridge in the Taratala locality, where several workers were trapped under the debris. Rescue teams, police and emergency agencies rushed to the spot and continued operations to clear the rubble and search for possible survivors.

Suo Motu FIR Registered

Addressing the media, Kolkata Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Agrawal said a suo motu FIR had been registered against several persons allegedly linked to the construction project.

According to police, four accused were named in the FIR, while a fifth person was arrested during the course of the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the premises had been leased to a private company and that possible irregularities in the construction process are being examined.

Police said two of the arrested individuals have previous criminal records. Investigators are questioning the accused to determine responsibility and establish whether negligence, illegal construction or deviations from the sanctioned plan contributed to the collapse.

SIT Formed For Detailed Inquiry

The West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident. The SIT, headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joysurja Mukherjee, will work with the detective department to examine all aspects of the case.

Authorities have also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure to guide the investigation. Police are coordinating with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to obtain technical and structural details related to the building.

Officials said the sanctioned construction plan, approval records, structural design and supervision process will be closely examined.

Construction Safety Under Scanner

Following the tragedy, State Minister Agnimitra Paul said all newly approved construction sites within Kolkata Municipal Corporation limits would undergo audits. She said the government is preparing strict inspection mechanisms and warned that action would be taken against those found responsible for violating building norms.

The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal construction, poor supervision and lapses in safety compliance at construction sites.

Supervisor, Labour Suppliers Among Arrested

Earlier, police arrested building supervisor Saiyad Md Gulzar and labour suppliers Md Ataul and Subhash Chowdhury in connection with the case. Investigators are also examining the role of the project owner, engineer and others associated with the construction.

Initial findings have raised questions about the sanctioned building plan and whether deviations from the approved design may have played a role in the collapse.

The investigation remains underway as officials seek to fix accountability in one of Kolkata’s deadliest construction-related accidents in recent years.