The West Bengal government has announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh per family for the victims of the fire incident in Nazirabad, Anandapur. State Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim announced on Tuesday. The administration has so far confirmed eight deaths in the incident, while the number of missing persons is alleged to be more than 15. Scenes of bones being recovered from heaps of ash have also emerged from the area.
Financial assistance and identification process
Speaking on Tuesday, Firhad Hakim said the financial assistance would be handed over to the families once the bodies or body parts are identified. He added that permission for DNA testing would be sought from the court on Wednesday.
Hakim described the incident as a terrible fire and a tragic event. He said the fire department and police are investigating the matter, adding that the bodies recovered are undergoing forensic examination and have not been identified yet. He noted that missing person complaints had been filed and assured that the families of the deceased would be provided with financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each.
He noted that DNA testing is required for identification and that court permission is necessary for the process to begin.
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Fire incident and ongoing investigation
The fire broke out on the night of January 25 at a decorator’s warehouse in the Nazirabad area of Anandapur. The blaze later spread to a momo company factory located next to the warehouse. Upon receiving the alert, 12 fire engines reached the spot. The fire was brought under control on Tuesday morning.
Allegations have been raised that there was no fire extinguishing system in the warehouse. The fire department has announced that an FIR will be filed in connection with the incident. Police have already registered a suo motu case and initiated an investigation.
