Stephen Court toll: 33,still counting

More grotesque was the view of more bodies still trapped underneath the debris in the building that could not be extricated since layers of debris have buried them.

“The death toll is now 33. There are three persons in the missing list. The work for recovering more bodies is going on,” said Jawed Shamim,Joint CP (headquarters).

According to a rescue worker,the bodies were recovered from fourth floor right above the Music World and three hands and five legs could still be seen in the rubbish. “We could see three hands and small potion of five legs from the debris. But to reach the bodies,we have to clear two feet of rubbish which got mixed with the bodies,” said a rescue worker.

Meanwhile,the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities today announced that the residents who want to visit their apartments on the fifth and sixth floors near second lift ¿ the worst affected portion of the fire-ravaged building ¿ would have to sign a “risk bond” first. Then only they will be allowed to go to the floors,which are at present considered as “high-risk” zones.

“According to the High Court,the residents who lived in the high-risk zones,specifically near lift number II including on the fifth and sixth floor,will be allowed to visit these flats only after they would sign the risk bond. It implies that if any portion caves in while they are in and if anybody’s life is in risk,we will not be responsible for the same,” said Debashis Kar,DG (II),building department,KMC.

“After the condition of a bond,not more than three-four families wanted to enter the premises. Four families approached us but their identity proofs were not adequate,” Kar added.

About the condition of the structure,Kar said,“It is totally unfit for human habitat. For the commercial units located here,the owners will have to seek clearances from several departments including fire services,KMC and CESC if they wanted to reopen their offices. At present,CESC officers have started inspection and they are trying to restore electricity inside the building.”

According to records available with the police officers,48 families were today allowed to enter the premises of Stephen Court. Apart from that,two families signed the risk bond and were allowed to visit their apartments on the fifth and sixth floor,said Kar.

Trouble broke out today in front of Stephen Court after Mahendra Golcha,a resident of flat number 5L on the fifth floor in the building,tried to force his entry inside. A senior police officer said Golcha had twice visited his apartment in the high-risk zone. “We cannot allow him again,” he said.

“I visited my apartment twice. But it was not possible for me to bring out all my valuables on my own. I want three labourers to go with me so that they can carry my stuff. I will take my stuff in front of the police officers. But now,I am not allowed to enter my flat. This is injustice,” Golcha said.