‘Even if a people’s representative was involved, they will not be spared’: Mamata on Kolkata hotel fire

Banerjee on Thursday during her visit to the hotel said, “I was monitoring the whole thing from Digha. I instructed Shashi (Panja, state Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare) and others to rush to the spot, also talked with police and fire brigade and gave necessary instructions.”

She then added, “We almost saved 90% of the lives but some rooms were locked and fire brigade personnel failed to open those rooms. It’s unfortunate.”

“Some owners used fire to destroy some evidence or documents but I must say to them: don’t play with fire. If you don’t want to vote for me, I have no problem, but don’t play with fire. It is easy to start fires but tough to stop them… We have already arrested the owner and manager of the hotel,” said the Chief Minister.

She said that a committee will be formed with the Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the Commissioner of Kolkata police, the Mayor of Kolkata, the Deputy Commissioners of Kolkata Police, officers of the fire brigade and other officials. “The committee will soon report to me about the fire fighting system of the buildings,” said Banerjee. She also ordered the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to survey old and dangerous buildings.