Pragati Maidan fire station officer suspended after Topsia factory fire killed two

The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has suspended Gautam Das, the Officer-in-Charge of Pragati Maidan Fire Station, following the deadly fire incident at a leather factory in Topsia that claimed two lives and left several others critically injured. A notification issued on Wednesday by the Director General of the department stated that Das had been suspended on charges of negligence in the discharge of duty. The order also directed the immediate initiation of a departmental inquiry, which has been instructed to be completed within one month.

According to the official notification, serious lapses were allegedly found in monitoring, inspections, and enforcement of fire safety regulations within the jurisdiction of the Pragati Maidan Fire Station. During the suspension period, Gautam Das has been directed to remain attached to the Fire Department headquarters and cannot leave without official permission. Authorities stated that the departmental investigation would examine issues including fire safety certification, emergency exit arrangements, firefighting systems, and the role of local fire department officials.

The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a leather factory operating on the second floor of a multi-storey building located at 50/1 GJ Khan Road in Topsia. The blaze spread rapidly through the structure, trapping several workers inside the building. Fire department officials received information about the incident around 1:45 PM, after which multiple fire engines were dispatched to the spot. Rescue operations were hampered due to the intensity of the flames, but firefighters eventually evacuated the trapped individuals and shifted them to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital.

Doctors later declared two victims dead, while three others continue to undergo treatment in critical condition. Following the incident, demolition work began at the factory premises after directions issued by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Authorities stated that the building had been constructed illegally. The Chief Minister also directed officials to identify illegal constructions in several areas of Kolkata, including Kasba, Tiljala, Mominpur, and Ekbalpur, and ordered disconnection of electricity and water supply to such structures as part of a “zero tolerance” approach toward illegal construction.