123 Kolkata: Multiple residents of Santosh Apartments on Hungerford Street in south Kolkata, where a fire broke out on Friday, couldn't return home even on Saturday. This was because the water connection couldn't be restored at the building in the absence of a police clearance, as state forensic science officials are yet to collect necessary samples from the site.
"The electricity connection was restored on Saturday night itself. But till Saturday night, the water connection couldn't be restored. The fire severely damaged the water reservoir and water pipes on the terrace, which have to be repaired at the earliest. But since the forensic officials are yet to collect samples from here, cops didn't allow the plumbers to repair the pipelines," said a security supervisor at the building.
A fire in a rooftop storeroom connected to a fifth-floor flat at a posh G plus 5 apartment building on Hungerford Street caught fire on Friday afternoon, forcing residents – several of them being senior citizens – to rush downstairs by themselves or be carried by maids and nurses.
The official said while a section of A and B block of the apartment still had partial water connection in one bathroom, block C and D were the worst sufferers. "The Gujrals, who live in flat 5C where the fire started, have another flat in the building. But due to the water problem, they went to a relative's house. Multiple other residents are also living away. Some came in to check on their flats but left after inspection. We have pleaded with the cops posted at the terrace to allow us to undertake the repairs, but they said nothing can be done till the forensic samples are collected," said the supervisor.
A senior Kolkata Police official said they have already informed the forensic officials and that they are likely to collect samples from the building rooftop on Sunday.
"We have been forced to buy 20-litre water drums from outside for our basic needs. Those who have other places to stay have shifted, but those like us are living here facing the hardship. However, we still thank the firemen and our luck that yesterday's fire was doused in quick time, or else our entire home would have been lost," said Veer Puri, a second-floor resident of the building whose own flat got ravaged in an electrical fire five years ago.