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Police launch extensive fire safety drive in Kolkata’s New Market area after hotel blaze

Published : Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 at 9:25 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Kolkata Police on Wednesday evening launched an extensive inspection drive at hotels, guesthouses, business establishments and large eateries in the New Market area following a deadly fire at the Shikha Inn residential hotel that left nine people dead, including eight Bangladeshi nationals.

The New Market police inspected fire-fighting and fire safety arrangements at various establishments in the area. Officials also checked emergency exit facilities, firefighting equipment and other safety measures to determine whether the premises could be evacuated quickly in the event of a fire.

Meanwhile, the state administration has declared the building housing Shikha Inn a “high-risk” structure. A notice posted on the building said it lacked adequate fire safety measures and warned that the building and adjoining structures were at risk.

The notice ordered the building to be vacated within one hour.

The administrative action has renewed concerns over fire safety arrangements at other hotels and guesthouses in the busy New Market area.

Earlier on Wednesday evening, local residents and businesspeople lit candles outside the fire-hit hotel to pay tribute to those who died in the blaze. The area was filled with grief as people gathered to remember the victims.

Local residents and traders said fire safety measures must be ensured at hotels and residential buildings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

-HIS

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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