The West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the collapse of an under-construction godown shed in Kolkata's Taratala area that claimed at least five lives and left around 20 people injured. The investigation has been handed over to the Detective Department of Kolkata Police to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and identify those responsible.
According to an official order, the SIT will be headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joysurja Mukherjee. The team also includes officers from the Homicide Squad, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Taratala Police Station. Investigators have been tasked with examining whether there were violations of approved building plans, structural flaws or negligence during the construction of the private warehouse near Brace Bridge.
Police have already arrested three persons in connection with the incident—a building supervisor and two labour suppliers. An FIR has also been registered against the owners of the warehouse. Investigators are collecting sanctioned building plans, technical reports and other documents to determine whether construction norms were violated or illegal approvals were granted.
The collapse triggered a massive rescue operation involving the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Kolkata Police, Fire Services, Civil Defence and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Rescue teams continued clearing debris in search of any remaining trapped workers.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the immediate suspension of all under-construction commercial projects approved during the previous government until July 31, pending a comprehensive structural safety audit. The state government said the move is aimed at preventing similar accidents and ensuring compliance with construction safety standards.
The tragedy has also sparked a political storm, with allegations of illegal construction and lapses in civic oversight. While the government has assured that the SIT will conduct a thorough investigation, opposition leaders and local residents have demanded accountability for everyone involved in approving and executing the project. Authorities have said that anyone found responsible, regardless of their role, will face strict legal action once the probe is completed.
