KOLKATA: In a significant development in the probe into the devastating fire at a factory-cum-warehouse in Kolkata’s Anandapur area, police have arrested the manager and deputy manager of popular food chain Wow Momo. The blaze, which erupted on January 25 midnight, claimed multiple lives and exposed glaring safety lapses in industrial units.
The arrests were made late Thursday night. Identified as Momoranjjan Sit, the facility’s manager, and Raja Chakraborty, the deputy manager of the outlet, both are now in custody at Narendrapur police station. A senior officer from South 24 Parganas district confirmed the duo is being rigorously interrogated to ascertain their whereabouts during the fire and any potential negligence on their part.
“We’re meticulously investigating their roles,” the officer stated. “The fire’s ferocity led to tragic losses, and we need to determine if managerial oversight contributed to the disaster.”
This brings the total arrests to three. Earlier, Gangadhar Das, owner of the adjacent Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, was detained. Initial reports from the fire services and forensic teams pinpoint the origin of the fire at Pushpanjali’s premises, not Wow Momo’s factory. However, Das vehemently denies this, insisting the flames started at the momo unit.
The incident has ignited political fury. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has accused the state administration of criminal negligence. He is set to lead a protest rally in Anandapur on Friday afternoon, permission for which was granted by the Calcutta High Court after initial police refusal, with certain conditions attached.
As investigations deepen, questions swirl around fire safety compliance in Kolkata’s sprawling industrial pockets. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent regulations and regular audits to prevent such catastrophes. Families of the victims await justice, while authorities vow a thorough inquiry.
