A devastating fire broke out at a leather manufacturing unit operating illegally from a mixed-use building in Kolkata's Tiljala area on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two labourers and hospitalization of three others. The victims allegedly inhaled toxic smoke while trapped inside a washroom, with police suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
Incident Details
Investigators indicated that the blaze may have been triggered by a short circuit on the first floor. Smoke rapidly filled the premises, blocking the only exit door. In a desperate attempt to escape, five workers locked themselves in a washroom. According to an officer, the fire likely caused the metal lock to expand, preventing the door from opening. Smoke accumulated inside, leading to suffocation. By the time they were rescued, all five were unconscious.
Victims and Medical Response
All five were rushed to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, where two were declared dead on arrival. The deceased were identified as Md Hasanur Zaman (40) and Rajesh (35), both reportedly residing on the factory premises. The three injured — Md Yusuf, Gour Sardar, and Md Tanveer — are undergoing treatment, with Yusuf and Sardar in critical condition.
Official Reactions
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated, "Wait for the fact-finding team's report by 11 am on Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is the first, and the last such incident. Illegal activities will not be allowed." Earlier, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal formed a four-member committee comprising two additional chief secretaries, the Kolkata Police commissioner, and the KMC commissioner.
Urban development minister Agnimitra Paul visited the site and confirmed that the factory had been operating illegally from a residential neighbourhood. She remarked, "The electrical wiring was poor, which may have caused the short circuit. All such buildings will be inspected and strict action will be taken against violators." Paul also visited the injured at the hospital.
Building and Operations
The incident occurred at a G+4 building on GJ Khan Road, where the leather manufacturing unit allegedly operated from the first and second floors. Residents occupy the upper floors. Workers reported that around 30 labourers were employed there.
Rescue and Aftermath
One labourer who helped rescue the victims recounted stepping out for lunch when the fire broke out. "When I returned, people were trying to douse the flames with water. I realised five workers were trapped inside. A few of us broke open the bathroom door and found them lying unconscious. There were no visible burn injuries. It seemed they suffocated," he said. He added that the unit's owner briefly arrived but left after police arrived. Officers confirmed the owner is absconding.
Assistant Commissioner Ashesh Biswas stated that a forensic team will collect samples and a probe has been initiated. Family members of the victims gathered at the hospital. Kutubuddin Molla, Zaman's brother-in-law, said the victim had worked at the unit for nearly eight years and lived there. Gour Sardar's brother Tarun expressed hope for his survival.
