NEW DELHI,31 Jan 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday strongly criticised the Mamata Banerjee government over the devastating fire at the Anandapur warehouses near Kolkata, calling it a result of “corruption” and demanding a thorough probe into the incident.
Speaking at the BJP Karyakarta Sammelan in North 24 Parganas, Shah said the tragedy raised serious questions about the state administration and its handling of the situation.
In his address, Shah said, “As I stand before this massive gathering of workers, I want to begin by paying tribute to all the workers who lost their lives in the fire at the Momo factory in the Anandpur warehouse. The Anandapur fire was not an accident. Mamata Banerjee government corruption is the cause. Whose money is parked in the momo factory? Who has the momo factory owner taken a foreign flight with? Why has the owner not been arrested?”
He further questioned the government’s response to the tragedy, saying, “The fire incident is screaming that your party’s corruption cannot be involved behind the fire. Thirty-two hours later your minister reached the spot. Labourers were screaming inside and you were silent?”
Whose money was parked in the momo factory,” he asked, pointing out that the death count has reached 21. The authorities have warned that the number may rise as search operations continue. Police have collected 16 DNA samples from relatives to help identify the victims.
Shah demanded that the Chief Minister order a full investigation into the fire, saying, “I demand from the Bengal Chief Minister to seek a probe in this matter and culprits should be jailed.”
The fire, which broke out at a decorator’s warehouse in the Anandapur area, quickly spread to an adjoining godown used by Wow! Momo. Many workers were asleep when the blaze started and could not escape in time.
Pictures credit social media
