West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday ordered the demolition of a factory in Tiljala area of Kolkata where a fire recently claimed two lives, along with a broader crackdown on illegal industrial units operating in the city. The decision comes a day after a probe committee found serious violations at the site.

According to the findings cited by the Chief Minister, the factory was operating without an approved building plan and had failed to comply with basic fire and electrical safety norms. The unit, which functioned as a leather godown, was reportedly found to be illegal in its construction and operations, prompting immediate government action following the incident.

Two people were killed and three others injured when a fire broke out on the first floor of the building on Tuesday afternoon. The blaze, which started around 1:45 pm, spread rapidly and engulfed the structure in thick smoke, making rescue operations difficult and leading to multiple casualties.

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Following the incident, a committee comprising representatives from four departments was formed to investigate the cause and legality of the structure. Based on its report, the government ordered strict enforcement measures, including the arrest of the factory owner and another individual linked to the operation of the unit.

The Chief Minister said instructions have been issued to disconnect electricity and water supply to the illegal factory, with the power utility CESC directed to permanently cut electricity to similar unauthorised units in areas including Tiljala and Kasba. He also directed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to carry out demolition of the structure within a day.

Authorities have announced a wider crackdown on illegal factories across the city, with the state government asserting a “zero tolerance” policy toward violations involving safety norms and unauthorised construction. Further inspections are expected in other industrial pockets following the incident.

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