Women, kids among 40 trapped inside dilapidated building as new owner razes stairs in Kolkata

KOLKATA: Around 40 people, residents of a dilapidated residential building at 104, Madan Mohan Burman Street, off Mahatma Gandhi Road, were trapped inside after the staircase connecting the first and second floors was allegedly razed by the new owner on Friday. Police, civic, and fire brigade personnel used ladders to rescue several residents, including women and children.

Scenes of panic unfolded throughout the day as personnel from the Disaster Management Group (DMG) of Kolkata Police and KMC demolition squad evacuated residents from upper floors. According to witnesses, some families were brought out through windows and narrow ledges with the help of ladders.

Even by evening, several residents were still inside the building, unwilling to leave despite the danger since they have nowhere else to go.



The building, which has over 50 rooms and small residential units, was recently purchased by Shambhu Nath Singh and he allegedly wanted to raze it for real-estate development.

According to a KMC buildings department source, the owner obtained permission for construction of a new building. However, mayor Firhad Hakim said on Friday that the civic body would protect the interest of the tenants. "If we have to give our stamp of approval to protect the interest of the tenants, we won't hesitate. There is no reason for tenants to feel left out," said Hakim.

A KMC official said the promoter will be questioned on why he did not take safety measures before beginning demolition.

Residents alleged Singh pressured the residents to vacate. "When the residents did not agree, his men started breaking sections of the building on the pretext of repairs," said Vibha Jha, a resident.

Local councillor Mohammad Jasimuddin said the building was built before the Independence. According to him, many of the occupants have lived there for decades. "In the past, I had alerted the residents that the new owner is trying to dismantle the building. I alerted the DG Building and other senior officials in the KMC, including the mayor," Jasimuddin said.

Officials confirmed that some residents were still inside as they refused to leave. "There are some people still inside, including women and children. They are not willing to come out as they do not have any other place to go," said a DMG official.

"We do not have any other place to take our families. The promoter should make arrangements for us," said Mohammad Salman, a resident.