‘Corruption Behind Kolkata Fire’: Amit Shah Blames Mamata Govt for Deaths

January 31, 2026

KOLKATA/WEST BENGAL — Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sharply blamed the Mamata Banerjee‑led West Bengal government for the deadly warehouse fire in the Anandapur area of Kolkata calling the tragedy a consequence of “corruption” and alleging serious lapses in governance and safety oversight. Shah’s comments came amid ongoing search operations, rising political tensions and mounting criticism from opposition leaders ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Deadly Anandapur Warehouse Fire and Rising Toll

Earlier this week, a massive blaze broke out at a decorator’s warehouse and adjoining Wow! Momo storage facility in Anandapur on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, catching many workers by surprise and leading to a devastating loss of life. Authorities have confirmed at least 21 deaths so far, with fears that the toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue and additional bodies are identified through DNA samples. Investigators are also examining whether proper fire safety norms and clearances were in place at the sprawling site, which stored packaging materials, beverages and other supplies that may have fuelled the inferno.

Shah’s Allegations of Corruption and Governance Failures

Addressing a large gathering of party workers in North 24 Parganas’ Barrackpore, Amit Shah said the warehouse fire was “not an accident” but instead a result of corruption under the state government. He paid tribute to the victims and directly questioned the role of the Mamata Banerjee government in allowing unsafe operations to persist. “Why has the owner of the warehouse not been arrested? Whose money is parked in the Momo factory? Why did it take 32 hours for a minister to reach the site?” Shah asked, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation and that those responsible be jailed.

Shah also questioned the state administration’s response and accused it of weakening accountability, asserting that the tragedy “screams” corruption and misgovernance. His remarks linked the incident to more systemic failures and alleged protective patterns that shield powerful interests from legal consequences.

Political Tensions Ahead of Elections

The blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress government comes as political tensions escalate in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Opposition leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, have also criticised the state administration’s handling of the fire, alleging negligence and late response. Adhikari accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the fire minister and local officials of administrative failure and called the lack of timely action “unacceptable” given the loss of lives and missing persons.

Shah’s broader address included other critiques of the state government, accusing it of shielding illegal activities and infiltrators for electoral gains, emphasising that alleged corruption extends beyond this incident to deeply affect West Bengal’s governance and public safety.

Calls for Judicial Inquiry and Accountability

In response to Shah’s remarks and public concern, there are growing calls for an independent judicial inquiry into the cause and handling of the warehouse fire. Shah said that an unbiased investigation was necessary to uncover truth, hold negligent parties accountable and ensure justice for victims’ families. Local police have made a few arrests connected to the incident, but questions remain about safety inspections, compliance with regulations, and administrative oversight that could have prevented the tragedy.

As families continue to search for missing loved ones and the political debate intensifies, both state and national leaders are under pressure to deliver answers and ensure stronger safeguards to prevent future industrial disasters.