The recent collapse of an under-construction godown in the Taratala area of Kolkata has prompted Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Saugata Roy to demand a comprehensive investigation. The incident, which occurred on June 24, has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left many others injured, igniting a significant rescue operation in the aftermath.

Roy expressed his concerns regarding the responsibilities of the local MLA and councillor, highlighting the accountability of local government figures in construction oversight. He specifically named Firhad Hakim and Anwar Khan, both of whom are now affiliated with a “rebel group,” urging Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to question their roles in this unfortunate event.

The TMC MP asserted the necessity for a thorough inquiry to ascertain who should be held accountable for the tragedy. Roy particularly emphasised that the Kolkata Corporation bears responsibility for approving and supervising construction projects in the area, thereby implicating local officials in the collapse.

Government and Community Reactions

In the wake of the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the collapse. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that Rs 50,000 would be provided to the 20 individuals who sustained injuries during the incident.

Arrests have also been made in connection with the collapse, including the building supervisor Saiyad Md Gulzar and two labour suppliers, Md Ataul and Subhash Chowdhury. Following these developments, the West Bengal government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joysurja Mukherjee to conduct a deeper investigation into the matter.

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has alleged the possibility of “big political names” being linked to the incident, stating that the inquiry would encompass corruption, with assurances that those responsible would face consequences. Ghosh emphasised that the government has begun an investigation to uncover the full extent of the situation.

Details of the Construction and Worker Involvement

Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee indicated that a significant majority of the workers involved in the construction were from Bihar and had arrived in Kolkata just two to three days prior to the incident. This raises further questions regarding worker safety and the stability of the construction practices employed.

Chief Minister Adhikari disclosed that initial investigations pointed to irregularities with the sanctioned construction plan. He noted that the project plan had received approval on January 17, 2026, and highlighted that the land belongs to SMPA, leased to Shambhunath Behera and partners. Adhikari signalled that a wrong plan had likely been initially sanctioned, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight in construction practices to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ramifications of this collapse extend beyond immediate casualties, suggesting systemic issues within local governance and construction integrity that necessitate thorough examination and reform.

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