Tiljala Fire Tragedy: Illegal Building Under Scanner After Two Deaths In Kolkata

A deadly fire in the Tiljala area of Kolkata on Tuesday claimed two lives and left five others seriously injured, according to officials. The blaze broke out inside a building where several workers were present, leading to chaos and significant property damage. Initial reports suggest that many of the victims suffered due to asphyxiation and severe burns.

Why is the building under scrutiny?

The focus of the investigation has quickly shifted to the legality and safety compliance of the structure. Authorities suspect the building may have been constructed and operated without necessary permissions, including fire safety clearance.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari indicated that early findings point to serious violations. “Chief Secretary ordered and a committee of four departments has been formed. A report will come at 11 am tomorrow. As per the initial information, this was an illegal building. This is the condition across the state. This will not continue. Govt will do whatever needs to be done legally. Wait and watch. The fact-finding report will come at 11 am tomorrow. FIR will also be registered. Consider this the first and last such incident,” he told reporters.

What action has the government taken?

The state government has moved swiftly in response. A high-level departmental committee has been constituted to investigate the incident and determine accountability. The panel includes senior officials such as Additional Chief Secretaries from key departments, the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, and the Municipal Commissioner.

The Chief Secretary has also directed Kolkata Police to register a specific FIR immediately, underlining the seriousness of the incident. The official order states, “As directed by Hon'ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, in reference to the fire incident at Tiljala in which 2 persons lost their lives and 5 persons sustained serious burn injuries, and considering the substantial loss of life and property caused by the incident, Kolkata Police is hereby directed to lodge a specific FIR in the matter immediately.”

What are ministers saying about accountability?

State minister Agnimitra Paul, who visited the site, strongly alleged that the building was operating illegally and lacked basic safety certifications. She also blamed the previous administration for allowing such structures to flourish.

“It’s a completely illegal building. It has not been given NOC, no fire license, no trade license. It is strange that these kinds of buildings were prospering in the tenure of the past Government. We have seen 'Wow! Momo' factory. Same thing, covering up waterbodies and allowing godowns to take place over there. 30 of our brothers were murdered. Today also happened. Two people died of asphyxiation and three others are on very serious condition. There were almost 30 workers,” she said.

She further added that strict measures are now being planned across the state. “I have asked my department to send a notice to all corporations and municipalities, wherever there are these kinds of buildings, without NOC or things not followed, steps will be taken by us,” she said.

What happens next?

The investigation committee has been tasked with submitting a detailed report by 11:00 AM on May 13. This report is expected to outline the causes of the fire, identify lapses in compliance, and recommend action against those responsible.

The state government has signaled that this case could trigger a wider crackdown on illegal constructions and unsafe commercial units across West Bengal, particularly those operating without fire safety approvals.

(With inputs from ANI)