Kolkata Warehouse Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 15 Amid Mounting Legal Pressure
The death toll from an under-construction warehouse collapse in Taratala, Kolkata, has risen to 15. Authorities have arrested an influential official over faulty building approvals, while the incident has triggered political fallout and a resignation within the municipal council.
Highlights
- •The death toll from the under-construction warehouse collapse in Taratala has increased to 15.
- •18 survivors are currently being treated at SSKM Hospital, with five in critical condition.
- •Kalicharan Banerjee, a former OSD to the ex-mayor, has been arrested for his alleged role in approving faulty plans.
- •Local political leader Bishwarup Dey has resigned from the TMC following public backlash over the building's safety standards.
The Kolkata warehouse collapse incident has taken a devastating turn, with the confirmed death toll rising to 15 individuals. This tragic event occurred at an under-construction facility located in the Taratala area, situated in the southwestern part of the city. Rescue teams have been tirelessly working at the site for over 48 hours, conducting an extensive search through the debris to locate any remaining workers who might still be trapped under the rubble.
Recent reports confirm that on Friday, four additional bodies were recovered from the site. Upon arrival at the SSKM Hospital, all four were declared deceased. The facility is currently providing medical care to 18 workers who survived the collapse, although the medical status of five of these individuals remains critical. Regarding the ongoing rescue mission, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has expressed a pressing need for updates on the timeline for concluding these operations.
Legal Proceedings and Political Fallout
Following the Kolkata warehouse collapse, local authorities have expanded their investigation, resulting in the arrest of a sixth individual. Kalicharan Banerjee, who served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim of the Trinamul Congress, was taken into custody on Thursday night. Although his name was absent from the initial First Information Report (FIR), his involvement was specifically noted by the Chief Minister.
During the proceedings at the Alipore Court, the public prosecutor, Sourin Ghoshal, argued that the accused was a highly influential personality within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Prosecutors claim he played a pivotal role in approving the structural plans for the faulty warehouse, which is owned by Shambhunath Behera and located at P/2 Transport Depot Road. Despite his defense counsel's assertions that he had no connection to the incident, the presiding judge rejected the plea and remanded Kalicharan Banerjee to police custody until July 4.
The tragedy has also sparked significant political turmoil. Bishwarup Dey, a former Trinamul Congress councillor from KMC Ward No. 48, announced his resignation from the party. In a widely circulated video message, he expressed profound distress over the collapse. He cited widespread allegations surrounding the incident, including claims of corruption and critical violations of building regulations, as his primary reasons for distancing himself from the party, stating that he made a mistake by joining and felt the need to atone.
