Two individuals,including the structural engineer, were arrested by Kolkata police following the tragic collapse of a warehouse in Taratala that resulted in the deaths of five workers . The incident occurred on Wednesday,June 24, 2026, around 12:05 p.m.,when the under-construction structure fell, trapping several laborers beneath the debris.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, involving personnel from Kolkata Police Disaster Management Group, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, fire services, civil defense,and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Despite their efforts, five workers were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital,while at least 18 others remain unaccounted for, feared trapped under the wreckage.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Agrawal,an FIR has been registered at the Taratala police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The FIR names six individuals,including the arrested engineer, Kamal Samanta, and another suspect, Syed MD Gulzar. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident,which will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department of Kolkata Police,supported by six additional members.
The warehouse, covering 6,689 square meters and constructed by a private operator, collapsed while approximately 50 to 60 workers were on site. Eyewitnesses reported hearing cries for help from those trapped beneath rubble. Local residents expressed their anguish as they witnessed the rescue efforts unfold.
In response to the disaster,Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a halt to all construction activities within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation until an audit is completed by July 31. Efforts to reach trapped workers included drilling through the debris, with rescuers providing oxygen and food to those in need.
The Indian Army has also joined the rescue mission,deploying four columns from Eastern Command to assist in the ongoing operation. As situation develops,the focus remains on locating and rescuing any remaining workers trapped in the collapsed structure .
