A devastating fire erupted at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata's Burrabazar area on the evening of April 29, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 14 individuals and injuring several others. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in the city's densely populated commercial zones, occurred during peak hours, drawing a swift response from emergency services.
The fire reportedly ignited around 8:15 PM at the six-story hotel, situated near Falpatti Machhua. The hotel is located above a commercial godown, and the blaze quickly engulfed the building, trapping guests and staff inside. Firefighters responded promptly, deploying ten fire tenders to the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire was only brought under control in the early hours of April 30, around 1 AM.
As flames and smoke filled the hotel, many occupants attempted to escape through windows and ledges. Tragically, Sanjoy Paswan, a 40-year-old hotel staff member, died after jumping from a ledge in a desperate attempt to save himself. Others suffered injuries while trying to flee the inferno. Witnesses reported that guests were seen clinging to narrow parapets outside their windows, while some sought refuge on the rooftop.
Emergency services managed to rescue several individuals, some of whom were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and other injuries. However, the fire claimed 14 lives, with most victims succumbing to suffocation. The bodies were recovered from various parts of the building once the fire was extinguished. Among the deceased were also two children, highlighting the tragic impact of the incident.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the cause of the fire, which is suspected to have resulted from an electrical short circuit. Verma stated, "14 bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued. A special team has also been formed for the investigation." The investigation will also assess the safety measures that were in place and the difficulties faced by guests during evacuation.
Political leaders have expressed their condolences and called for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar urged the state administration to provide immediate assistance to the victims and conduct a thorough review of fire safety measures. He stated, "I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance."
West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar also criticized the Kolkata Corporation, emphasizing the lack of safety and security measures. He remarked, "This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out...A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security...I don't know what the corporation is doing."
The Rituraj Hotel fire has underscored significant lapses in fire safety protocols within Kolkata's congested commercial areas. As the SIT begins its investigation, there is a growing demand for stringent enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. Authorities are expected to inspect similar establishments to ensure compliance with fire safety norms.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety in densely populated urban areas, where the risks are heightened due to the close proximity of buildings and the potential for rapid fire spread. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, as families mourn their loved ones and officials seek to ensure that such an event does not occur again.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on accountability and the implementation of necessary changes to protect lives in the future. The public's outcry for justice and reform in fire safety standards reflects a collective desire for change, ensuring that no other families have to endure the heartache experienced in the wake of this horrific event.
