Three Arrested Over Kolkata Hotel Fire

Three people have been arrested in connection with the deadly fire at Shikha Inn hotel in Kolkata’s New Market area. Among those arrested is Abu Jafar, the hotel’s leaseholder, who was taken into custody late Wednesday night (August 19) for questioning before being formally arrested.

Police said Jafar was arrested from the Main Market area under Entally police station. Investigators are examining the hotel’s management, lease documents and fire safety arrangements. Two employees of another hotel opposite Shikha Inn, including its manager, have also been detained for questioning. Police said Jafar is also the leaseholder of that hotel.

The fire at the hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street claimed the lives of nine people, including six men, two women and a child. Seven of the victims were Bangladeshi nationals, while two were Indian citizens.

Investigators initially suspected that an air-conditioning unit or an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze. The fire reportedly spread to at least four rooms, while thick black smoke quickly filled the building.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed by Kolkata Police to determine the cause of the fire and examine the building’s fire safety measures. New Market Police have also registered a suo motu case in connection with the incident.