Anandapur fire: Rs 10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family
The Statesman | 28 January 2026
The Bengal government on Tuesday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each person who died in the devastating fire at Anandapur in East Kolkata.
State urban development minister Firhad Hakim said the financial assistance would be handed over once the bodies or body parts are identified and death certificates are issued.
Speaking to the Media, Mr Hakim said: “The families of the deceased will be given Rs 10 lakh each as financial assistance. The amount will be released after the death certificates are issued. It is a horrific and unfortunate fire. Many people have died. The fire department and police are investigating. The bodies recovered have been sent for forensic examination as they could not be identified. Missing complaints have been filed.”
According to officials, at least eight deaths have come to light so far in the Anandapur fire, while more than 15 people remain missing. Police sources said that families of 14 missing persons have already lodged complaints.
The police will approach a court on Wednesday seeking permission to conduct DNA tests, which are mandatory for identification in such cases.
Once DNA samples of the bodies match with family members, the compensation process will begin.
The identification process is expected to take time, as DNA testing requires prior court approval under established legal procedures.
After permission is granted, samples will be examined to confirm identities. Meanwhile, police have registered two cases in connection with the incident and have started a detailed investigation.
The massive fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Sunday at two warehouses in Nazirabad near Anandapur. Local residents first noticed the flames and alerted the fire brigade and police.
Initially, 12 fire engines rushed to the spot, followed later by four more. After nearly one-and-a-half days of continuous firefighting, a total of 16 fire engines managed to bring the blaze fully under control on Tuesday.
Officially, three deaths have been confirmed so far, but police have warned that the toll could rise further. On Tuesday, body parts of eight individuals were recovered from the charred warehouses, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.