Kolkata Warehouse Collapse: 5 Arrested, SIT Formed Over Structural Failures

Kolkata police on Thursday arrested five individuals, including a structural engineer and a site supervisor, in connection with the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala that killed eight labourers. The case has been transferred to the Detective Department, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe alleged construction flaws.

The incident occurred around 12:05 pm on Wednesday when the multi-storey structure, being built for warehousing, gave way, trapping several workers beneath the debris. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but eight labourers were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries.

A suo motu FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to culpable homicide and attempt to commit culpable homicide, against the responsible parties. Police named the accused as Gulzar Hussain, supervisor of Ayan Traders; Kamal Samanto, an iron structure fabricator; Sambhunath Behera, the lessee of the land; Dibakar Bhandari, a labour supplier and Trimex contractor; and Abdul Hamid, who allegedly acted as a broker for obtaining sanction plans from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

According to a senior Kolkata police officer, preliminary investigations indicate several lapses in the construction process, including use of substandard materials and deviation from approved plans. The structural engineer, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have certified the design without proper verification. The supervisor failed to ensure safety protocols, while the contractor and labour supplier were responsible for on-site safety measures.

The SIT, comprising officers from the Detective Department, will examine the role of KMC officials and private contractors in approving and executing the project. The civic body has also initiated a parallel inquiry into the granting of sanctions. The arrested individuals will remain in police custody pending further investigation.

This tragedy has once again highlighted the need for strict enforcement of building regulations and worker safety in urban construction projects. The state government has assured compensation for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.