Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Shikha Inn Leaseholder Arrested After Kolkata Hotel Fire
A fire broke out at Shikha Inn in Kolkata on Tuesday night.
Nine people died in the incident.
Police arrested Abu Zafar, who managed the hotel after it was leased in his wife’s name.
Investigators say the hotel did not have proper fire-safety equipment or a fire licence.
Smoke moved through the space above the false ceiling and entered the rooms.
Many guests died because they breathed in too much smoke.
The hotel’s owner, Bireswar Mitra, could not be found by Thursday.
Police are investigating whether other people were also responsible.
Abu Zafar was arrested for alleged negligence linked to the deaths of nine people at Shikha Inn.
Police said Zafar had leased the hotel in his wife’s name about five months ago.
Investigators said the hotel lacked a fire licence, firefighting equipment and other fire-safety systems.
Most victims reportedly died from smoke inhalation after smoke spread above the false ceiling and entered guest rooms.
Hotel owner Bireswar Mitra could not be traced, while two other staff members were detained for questioning.
- Who
- Abu Zafar was arrested; nine people died; hotel owner Bireswar Mitra was being sought.
- What
- A fire at Shikha Inn led to nine deaths, and its leaseholder was arrested for alleged culpable homicide and related offences.
- When
- The fire occurred on Tuesday night; Zafar was formally arrested on Thursday.
- Where
- Shikha Inn hotel in Kolkata.
- Why
- Investigators allege negligence, citing the hotel’s lack of a fire licence and firefighting systems.
- Deaths
- Nine people died in the fire.
- Arrested
- Abu Zafar, the reported leaseholder and hotel operator.
- Lease
- The hotel was leased for ₹40,000 per month for 11 months, in Zafar’s wife’s name.
- Fire safety
- Officials said the hotel had no fire licence or firefighting system.
- Cause of deaths
- Most victims reportedly died from fatal smoke inhalation.
- Hotel owner
- Bireswar Mitra could not be traced by late Thursday.
- Investigation
- Two other staff members were detained for questioning, and a special investigation team is examining additional roles.