Anandapur Warehouse Fire Tragedy Deepens as Death Toll Reaches 25, NHRC Intervenes

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The death toll from the devastating warehouse fire in Anandapur, Kolkata, rose to 25 on Friday, which increased worries about industrial safety in West Bengal. The fire started at a warehouse complex that belongs to Wow! Momo and it created panic among people, and multiple rescue teams responded to the situation. 

The State Disaster Management Department reports that recovery operations will continue to increase the total number of missing persons who are still unaccounted for.

NHRC Flags Alleged Negligence and Rights Violations

Taking suo motu cognisance, the National Human Rights Commission directed the District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas to submit an action taken report. In its communique, the NHRC said allegations pointed to “criminal negligence” by the management and regulatory failures by fire services, labour departments, and local authorities. “The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victims,” the commission stated.

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What Preliminary Reports Reveal About the Fire

Initial findings by the state fire services and a forensic team suggested the fire did not originate from the Wow! Momo factory. The reports showed that the fire started at the Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse before it spread. 

These findings contradicted claims made by the warehouse owner, Gangadhar Das, who was arrested in connection with the incident. Officials said further forensic analysis is underway.

Arrests, Protests, and Political Fallout

Gangadhar Das was taken into custody shortly after the fire, though investigators noted that his account was not supported by early evidence. The disaster triggered political responses, which included the Leader of the Opposition scheduled to lead a protest rally in Anandapur. 

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The Calcutta High Court authorized the rally after police initially opposed it, but set specific requirements that organizers had to follow.

Conclusion: A Grim Reminder for Industrial Safety

The Wow! Momo warehouse fire has drawn comparisons with past industrial disasters. NHRC intervention highlights growing scrutiny of regulatory enforcement and corporate responsibility. The incident demonstrates an urgent need for enhanced safety law enforcement, as it shows the need to protect public safety and restore trust in industrial safety management.