Early on Sunday morning, the Narkeldanga slum in Kolkata was still covered in white smoke from the previous night’s massive fire, with scores of helpless people seen sitting on the road with hands on heads, having lost all money, jewellery and other belongings along with their huts.
A massive fire broke out in the slum around 10 pm on Saturday and more than 60 of the over 200 huts were burnt to the ground, according to locals. Habibulla Mollar, who was said to be sleeping in a godown where he worked, was killed in the fire. While other residents of the slum ran out, Mollar was sleeping in the godown locked from inside, the locals said. It was after the fire was doused and the door broken open that Mollar’s charred body was found.
Locals said the fire began in one of the huts and rapidly spread in the densely populated area owing to wind. They alleged the fire brigade arrived around one hour after the fire started, adding that many huts could have been saved had the fire engines arrived within 10 minutes.
Locals said several godowns were illegally functioning in the slum. Rohan Show, one of them, told reporters, “There are so many godowns that store plastic, plywood and paper. These are highly inflammable, but no checks are made by police or the administration.”
“We have lost everything. My son and I ran out. We heard gas cylinders bursting. We did not even have time to bring out any documents or belongings. Now where will we go?” said Rehana Khatun.
Samira Begum told reporters, “What will I do? All my money and belongings have been burnt. The only belongings I have are what I am wearing. Now I am a beggar. There is nothing left.”
The entire area was covered in smoke.
Over 16 fire engines reached the spot and a hydraulic ladder was brought in. Along with locals and civic workers, the fire department worked to douse the fire, the cause of which will be determined in investigations.
After visiting the area, Mayor Firhad Hakim told reporters, “The fire department will look into the cause of the fire. We are with the poor people. They are staying on the irrigation department’s land. If the department gives us land, we can implement the Bangla Bari scheme. Compensation will be given as per government regulations.”
He also wanted to meet Mollar’s family.
When the mayor came to the spot, locals levelled corruption allegations against councillor Sachin Singh, leading to a scuffle between them and his supporters.