Narendrapur factory owner held after days on the run; death toll stands at 8

Police have arrested factory owner Gangadhar Das in connection with the massive fire at a momo manufacturing unit and warehouse in Nazirabad under Anandapur police station in South 24 Parganas. The blaze has so far claimed eight lives. Das was arrested from the Garia area of Kolkata late Tuesday night and will be produced before the Baruipur court on Wednesday.

According to police, Das had been absconding since the incident and an FIR had earlier been registered against him at Anandapur police station. Investigators said all aspects of the case are being examined, including possible lapses that led to the fire. Fire department officials confirmed that the unit did not have mandatory fire safety clearance.

The West Bengal government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for each deceased victim’s family. Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said the compensation would be released after identification of the bodies or remains, adding that court permission would be sought to conduct DNA tests. Forensic examinations of the recovered bodies are currently underway.

Police said around 13 workers from Purba Medinipur district are still reported missing, with complaints lodged by their families. Administrative officials have visited the homes of the missing workers and assured all possible assistance. Hakim said strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the tragedy.

Investigations revealed that Das, a resident of Purba Chhada under Khejuri police station in Purba Medinipur, had been associated with the decoration business for nearly four decades. The factory, spread over about four bighas of land, employed around 200 workers and stored highly inflammable materials such as plastic flowers, wood, fabric and furniture, which caused the fire to spread rapidly.