The probe into the Anandapur warehouse blaze in Kolkata has advanced with the arrest of two senior employees linked to quick-service chain Wow! Momo, days after a devastating fire at a warehouse complex that claimed multiple lives and intensified scrutiny of industrial safety and regulatory oversight.
Arrests and Allegations
Kolkata Police detained the warehouse manager and a deputy manager responsible for day-to-day operations at the facility used by Wow! Momo. Officials say the two have been booked on charges related to gross negligence and breach of safety protocols after preliminary inquiries revealed lapses in emergency preparedness and possible violations of fire-safety norms.
Both suspects were produced before a local magistrate and remanded to police custody for further questioning as investigators seek to establish the precise sequence of events on the night of the fire.
How the Fire Spread
Early findings indicate the blaze may have started in an adjacent warehouse before rapidly spreading to the structure housing Wow! Momo’s storage and operations. Investigators are examining multiple potential causes, including the presence of combustible materials, faulty electrical wiring and unsafe storage practices that could have fuelled the fire.
Officials are also probing whether exit routes were accessible and whether workers could evacuate safely. Eyewitness accounts and site reports raised concerns about locked doors, poor ventilation and delays in firefighting response, factors that can significantly increase casualty risk in industrial fires.
Casualties and Recovery Operations
Authorities have not yet released a final death toll. Multiple bodies have been recovered, with identification ongoing through forensic and DNA processes. Several families are awaiting confirmation about missing relatives, underscoring the human cost of the incident.
Rescue and recovery teams worked for days to clear debris and rule out trapped survivors. The site remains sealed while forensic teams and fire-safety experts complete their examinations.
Company Response and Public Reaction
Wow! Momo expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it is cooperating with police and administrative authorities. The company has announced compensation and support measures for affected families, with further details awaited.
The tragedy has prompted sharp reactions across West Bengal. Labour groups, opposition leaders and civil society organisations have demanded immediate, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, regular inspections and accountability both at the corporate and civic-administration levels.
Broader Safety Concerns
The Anandapur blaze has highlighted persistent safety gaps in warehouses and informal industrial units. Fire-safety experts stress the need for regular audits, mandatory clearance certificates, robust emergency exits, and routine electrical and storage inspections to minimise risks to workers.
Investigators have said additional arrests remain possible if evidence points to wider negligence or systemic regulatory failures. The detention of the two Wow! Momo staff marks a key development in the legal process as authorities pursue accountability in a case that has reignited debate on workplace safety in India.
