Hotel Shikha Inn Fire: Dhaka Opens Round-the-Clock Helpline for Families of Five Bangladeshi Dead in Kolkata
Indiadailyupdate.com – The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has activated a continuous helpline to support relatives of those caught in the blaze that struck Hotel Shikha Inn on Mirza Galib Street on Wednesday. Of the nine fatalities confirmed at the scene, five have been verified as Bangladeshi citizens.
Victim Identification
Four of the five Bangladeshi dead belonged to a single family hailing from Kushtia. They were identified as Akram Ali, aged 74; Debashish Dutta, 39; Afshana Shirmin, 27; and Swarnashish Dutta, a toddler of two years and eight months. The fifth national, Babu Ahmed, 37, was from Dhaka. Among the remaining fatalities, Sandip Paswan, 19, from Bihar, and Yog Narayan Aggarwal, 68, from Siliguri, have been named. Two further bodies have yet to be positively identified.
Six individuals who sustained injuries were released from hospital following initial medical care. Authorities confirmed that identification of the remaining bodies is still underway.
Diplomatic Response
“Our helplines will be open for those who need assistance and we are trying to assist their loved ones. Once the dead bodies have been identified, we will repatriate the bodies to Bangladesh,” said Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Khalid.
“We are getting calls from family members. Our external affairs minister is also in touch. We are keeping them apprised.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Governor R.N. Ravi each issued statements of condolence. The governor wrote:
“Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives in the fire mishap in the Mirza Ghalib Street area of Kolkata. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.”
Municipal Probe and Enforcement
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation dispatched an inspection team following a probe initiated by the buildings department. The investigation aims to determine whether regulatory violations occurred and to examine mechanisms for stricter enforcement under applicable statutory provisions. Findings are expected to be tabled by August 25.
Sixteen inspection teams have been assigned across the boroughs, building on an earlier audit framework already in place. KMC Commissioner Smita Pandey outlined the enforcement posture:
“We have initiated an inspection audit within the KMC area. These incidents cannot be taking place frequently. This has to be looked at unscrupulously. Under section 199, we will close wherever the NOC is not found and where deviations are found. We will close them.”
The trade licence held by Hotel Shikha Inn has already been revoked.
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