Kolkata, 13 May (H.S.): Police have arrested the owner of a leather factory in connection with the devastating fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in the Topsia area of Tiljala, killing two people. The accused has been identified as Jafar Nishar.

The fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon at a leather manufacturing unit operating on the second floor of a multi-storey building located at 50/1 G.J. Khan Road in Topsia. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing the entire floor within a short span of time.

At the time of the incident, five to six workers were reportedly present inside the factory and became trapped as the fire intensified.

Local residents immediately informed the fire brigade. According to sources, the Fire and Emergency Services Department received the alert at around 1:45 p.m., following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot to carry out rescue and firefighting operations.

Due to the intensity of the flames, those trapped inside were unable to escape on their own. Firefighters later rescued the victims after extensive efforts and shifted them to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital with severe burn injuries.

Doctors at the hospital declared two persons dead, while treatment of three others with critical burn injuries is continuing.

Following the incident, West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul visited the site on Tuesday evening and later met the injured persons at the hospital.

The minister alleged that the building where the fire broke out had been constructed illegally and did not possess mandatory clearance from the Fire Department.

She further claimed that during the previous government’s tenure, permissions for such buildings were allegedly granted in exchange for bribes. Raising questions over the role of former Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, she asked how such business activities were allowed to function without the knowledge of the department concerned.

Meanwhile, the state government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the Tiljala fire incident. Police have also begun a detailed probe into the matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh