PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to families of those killed in Kolkata fire tragedy
The deadly fire, which broke out at around 3 am on Monday and engulfed two warehouses in West Bengal, has reportedly killed 25 people so far. One warehouse was operated by Wow Momo! while the other belonged to Pushpanjali Decorators.
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi announced on Friday an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those killed in the warehouse fire in West Bengal's Anandapur. Also, the PM announced Rs 50,000 to those injured.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, "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." He added, "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."
What happened in the deadly fire?
At around 3 am on Monday, a fire broke out at the warehouse of Pushpanjali Decorators in West Bengal. It quickly spread to the adjoining warehouse operated by Wow Momo!, engulfing both buildings. The fire has reportedly killed 25 people so far. Kolkata Police have arrested Wow Momo!'s warehouse manager, Raja Chakraborty, and deputy manager, Manoranjan Sheetv.
BJP attacks TMC
Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded the West Bengal Fire Minister's resignation and called for accountability of the Mamata Banerjee government. The incident happened earlier this week. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Friday led a procession of hundreds of party supporters, demanding the arrest of the owners of Wow Momo!.
Adhikari alleged that the ruling TMC was protecting those behind the tragedy and showing insensitivity. He attacked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that she is yet to visit the site, even five days after the incident, while rescue and search operations were still underway.