A devastating fire at a hotel in central Kolkata has resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including Bangladeshi journalist Debashis Dutta and his family. The incident occurred while Dutta was in India for his wife’s medical treatment. The fire has raised concerns about safety regulations in hospitality venues in the area, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The three returned from Bengaluru and checked into the hotel at 15G Mirza Ghalib Street. Dutta, a native of Aruapara in Kushtia district, had worked with several newspapers in Bangladesh, including ‘Ajker Patrika’ and ‘Ajker Alo’. The couple had two children. Their eight-year-old daughter remained in Bangladesh and was not travelling with them.
Dutta (37), his wife Afsana Shirmin (25), their four-year-old son Swarnashis and Afsana’s father, 64-year-old Akram Ali, died after a fire broke out at ‘Shikha Inn’ on Mirza Ghalib Street late Tuesday night. The family had arrived in India on August 3.
Dutta, his wife and their son had travelled to Bengaluru for Afsana’s treatment, while Akram Ali was staying in Kolkata, police said. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata said five Bangladeshi nationals were killed in the hotel fire, while some others were injured and undergoing treatment in hospitals.
