What began as a routine crackdown has now exposed a deeper problem in the heart of Kolkata. Authorities launched inspections across guest houses and hotels in the Marquis Street area after a devastating fire claimed nine lives, including six men, two women and a child.
Officials found alleged violations ranging from illegal construction and blocked emergency exits to missing fire safety measures. Several establishments are now facing action as civic authorities intensify inspections in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones.
For many Kolkata residents, the tragedy has reignited a familiar question: Why does enforcement become strict only after lives are lost? The incident has sparked widespread concern over whether safety norms are being ignored until disaster strikes.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on fixing long-standing lapses before another preventable tragedy unfolds.
