Kolkata Fire Toll Rises to 21, 28 Still Missing

• 13 more bodies recovered, taking toll to 21
• 28 people still missing, fears toll may rise
• Section 163 imposed ahead of BJP leaders’ proposed visit
• DNA profiling to begin for identification of charred bodies

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 29th Jan: The death toll in the devastating fire near Kolkata has risen to 21 after 13 more bodies were recovered from gutted buildings in Anandapur, South 24 Parganas district, police said on Thursday. Authorities also confirmed that 28 people are still missing, raising fears that the number of fatalities could increase further.

The massive blaze, which broke out late Sunday night, destroyed two godowns and a manufacturing unit of a momo company, reducing the structures to rubble and leaving behind charred remains of workers trapped inside.

“Given the nature of the incident and the extent of damage, the possibility of the toll going up cannot be ruled out,” a senior police officer said.

In view of the sensitive situation and ahead of a proposed visit by Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, and other BJP leaders, the authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from Wednesday midnight to restrict public movement in the area.

“The prohibitory order has been imposed to maintain law and order and to facilitate rescue and identification work,” the officer added.

Adhikari has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to visit the site and to take out a march from a nearby temple to the affected area. The matter is expected to be heard by Justice Shubra Ghosh on Thursday.

Officials said DNA profiling of the recovered bodies and body parts is likely to begin on Thursday, as many of the remains are severely charred and cannot be identified through conventional methods.

“DNA profiling is essential in this case to establish the identities of the victims,” the officer said, adding that rescue and recovery operations are still underway.