Overview

• The fatal fire at Rituraj Hotel in Burrabazar killed 14 people, with the owner and manager now under arrest for safety violations.
• Inspections revealed the hotel lacked functional sprinklers, had blocked exits, and operated with an expired fire licence since 2022.
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed surprise inspections of private and commercial properties to enforce fire safety compliance.
• Six restaurants on Park Street were sealed and will only reopen after demonstrating adherence to fire preparedness standards.
• A high-level committee has been formed to survey unsafe buildings across Kolkata, with a 15-day deadline to report findings.