Kolkata, 1 May (H.S.): In a significant development following the devastating fire at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata’s Machhua Bazar area, police have arrested the hotel’s owner and manager. Akash Chawla and Gaurav Kapoor were taken into custody on Thursday morning for gross negligence and violation of safety norms. The tragic incident has now claimed 15 lives.

The fire broke out around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Rituraj Hotel, located in the bustling fruit market of Machhua Bazar. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire building. Ten fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and firefighters battled the blaze for nearly eight hours before bringing it under control. Using a hydraulic ladder, rescue teams managed to save 25 people trapped inside, but 15 others could not be rescued in time.

Reports indicate that the hotel had around 42 rooms, most of which lacked proper windows, exacerbating suffocation as thick smoke filled the premises. This made evacuation extremely difficult, both for the guests and for the firefighters attempting to access the interior.

Following the incident, Akash Chawla had gone into hiding. After an extensive manhunt, police apprehended both Chawla and Kapoor on Thursday. The duo is currently being interrogated. According to police sources, the hotel had multiple safety violations, including operating without a valid fire license.

In response to the tragedy, the administration has set up an inquiry committee led by the Commissioner of Kolkata Municipal Corporation to investigate the cause of the fire and determine accountability.

Meanwhile, two of the deceased have yet to be identified, and police are working to establish their identities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh