Rituraj Hotel Fire Death Toll of 14 in Kolkata Sparks Political Outcry
Fire at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata’s Burrabazar (Image credit Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal BJP leader)
Kolkata Rituraj Hotel Fire: 14 Dead, Mamata Orders Probe
Kolkata, April 30, 2025 — A catastrophic fire at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata’s bustling Burrabazar area killed 14 people, including a woman and two children, and injured 13 others.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a post on X said: “My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area.”
The Chief Minister also stated that she “monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area, while 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside”. Investigation has been ordered, she added.
The blaze, which erupted around 7:30 p.m. near the hotel’s kitchen on Tuesday, prompted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and drawn sharp political reactions.
The fire at the six-story hotel on Madanmohan Burman Street in the Mechua Bazar area, under Jorasanko police jurisdiction, spread rapidly, trapping guests and staff.
@taazatv in a post on X said: “A massive fire at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata’s Burra Bazar killed 14 people on Tuesday night, mostly due to suffocation. One person died after falling while fleeing.”
@JournoShabana in a post on also
noted that “14 reported death in the incident of fire in the hotel at Machua’s Phal mandi. A devastating fire broke out on Tuesday night at the 6-story Rituraj Hotel in Burrabazar’s Mechua Bazar area.”
The tragedy sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar lashed out at Banerjee, accusing her of insensitivity for attending an inauguration event in Digha while the crisis unfolded.
Majumdar said: “Yesterday, a devastating fire in the Mechhua area of Burrabazar claimed the lives of more than 14 innocent people. Banerjee attending a day-long inauguration programme of Jagannath Dham in Digha shows her insensitivity.”
The congested market area, known for its fruit trade and narrow lanes, complicated rescue efforts, as noted by @taazatv in a post on X.
The Kolkata Police, led by Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, confirmed 14 deaths initially, later revised to 15, with eight victims identified. Media reports quoted Verma, saying: “Sadly, 14 people have died in the fire.”
The SIT, constituted by Kolkata Police, is probing the fire’s cause, with preliminary reports suggesting an electrical fault or kitchen mishap, though no official conclusion has been reached.
The Rituraj Hotel, a budget property near Burra Bazar’s commercial hub, has faced prior guest complaints about cleanliness and safety due to its location in a congested market, according to online reviews.
The incident has raised questions about fire safety compliance in Kolkata’s older commercial districts, with observers on X calling for stricter regulations.
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