Kolkata, 14 May (H.S.): West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the unhygienic condition of a ward at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital while visiting victims injured in the Tiljala fire tragedy.

Three injured persons admitted to the hospital are currently undergoing treatment following the massive fire that broke out at a leather factory in the Tiljala area earlier in the day.

During her visit to the ward, the minister was seen questioning hospital staff after noticing garbage scattered beneath beds and in different parts of the ward. She also expressed dissatisfaction over used gloves, bedsheets and other waste materials lying on the floor.

“This will not be tolerated by our government,” the minister reportedly told hospital employees, while directing them to immediately clean the ward and improve hygiene standards.

She further remarked that many people who cannot afford treatment at private hospitals are compelled to depend on government healthcare facilities and deserve proper services and cleanliness.

The devastating fire had broken out on Tuesday afternoon at a leather factory in Tiljala where bags and shoes were manufactured. Police have already arrested the factory owner and a supervisor in connection with the incident.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the blaze may have been triggered by a short circuit. Excessive heat and thick smoke reportedly created suffocating conditions inside the building, leading to the deaths of two people.

Following the incident, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat constituted a committee to investigate the fire and directed officials to submit a report by 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Minister Agnimitra Paul visited the hospital on Wednesday morning to inquire about the condition of those injured in the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh