Kolkata Warehouse Collapse: Structural Engineer Arrested, SIT Probes Tragedy

Kolkata police arrested two individuals on Thursday, including the structural engineer of a warehouse that collapsed in the Taratala area on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of five workers. The arrested are Kamal Samanta, the structural engineer, and Syed Md Gulzar. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Taratala police station against six named individuals.

The collapse occurred around 12:05 p.m. at an under-construction warehouse on Transport Depot Road in Taratala. Several workers were trapped under the debris. Rescue operations were conducted by the Kolkata Police Disaster Management Group, Kolkata Municipal Corporation personnel, fire services, civil defence, and the National Disaster Response Force. The Indian Army also joined the effort, mobilising four columns from the Eastern Command.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Agrawal stated that five workers were declared brought dead at the hospital. At least 18 workers are feared to be trapped under the structure. The warehouse was being constructed on 6,689 square metres of land leased by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). According to witnesses, 50 to 60 people were working at the site at the time of the accident. Local residents reported hearing cries for help from buried workers. Rescue teams attempted to drill through the debris and provided oxygen and food to those trapped.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted under the Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department of Kolkata Police to investigate the matter. The SIT comprises six other members. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a stay on all building activities within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation until an audit scheduled for completion on July 31. The audit aims to assess structural safety and prevent future incidents.