Kolkata fire: PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia for victims' kin

PM Modi expressed grief over the Kolkata fire, announcing ₹2 lakh ex gratia for the deceased's kin and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. At least three people died in the warehouse fire in Anandapur, with rescue operations now completed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Kolkata's Anandapur that broke out on Monday, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and announcing ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh to the deceased, along with ₹50,000 to the injured. 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

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said an ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured would receive ₹50,000. In the X post, it stated that, "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 injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi."

Police Action and Rescue Operations

According to the Baruipur police police, three people have been arrested so far in connection with the Anandapur fire case. The rescue operation has been completed, the police officials added.

The warehouse fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, prompting the launch of rescue and relief operations. Firefighting teams were rushed to the spot to contain the blaze, while police cordoned off the area to facilitate emergency response.

Political Fallout and Demands for Probe

West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari today led a BJP protest rally over the Anandapur fire incident.

Earlier on Thursday, BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Trinamool-sponsored Bangla Pakkho had claimed on social media that 50 people died in the warehouse fire. Sharing an X post on Wednesday, Malviya wrote, "Trinamool-sponsored Bangla Pakkho claimed on social media that 50 people have died in the devastating fire in Anandapur."

Calling for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, Malviya added, "Given the abysmal track record of her administration, it would be in the interest of justice to hand over the investigation to a Supreme Court-monitored SIT to thoroughly probe the tragic incident and fix accountability. She must also explain why her minister, Sujit Bose, failed to reach the accident site for nearly 32 hours. Such negligence is unacceptable."

Official Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation

At least three people lost their lives in the incident, officials said.

Speaking to ANI from the site, Sinjini Sengupta, Block Development Officer (BDO), confirmed the recovery of bodies. "The fire brigade is still looking for them; the search operation is on. So far, three bodies have been found, and we are looking further," she said.

Authorities said search operations are continuing to rule out the possibility of more people being trapped inside the building. Fire department officials are also examining the premises to determine the cause of the fire. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)