Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Kolkata Hotel Fire Linked to Air Conditioner Service Port
A fire started at a hotel in Kolkata early Wednesday.
Investigators say the first spark may have come from an air conditioner near the reception.
A loose part of the air conditioner’s service port was identified in the preliminary finding.
The fire then spread to other electrical wires, and smoke filled the third floor.
Nine people died, including a Bangladeshi journalist and members of his family.
At least six other people were injured.
Police arrested the hotel’s leaseholder and questioned two workers.
Guests and local residents said the hotel did not have enough fire-safety protection.
A preliminary forensic finding linked the fire’s first spark to an air conditioner at Shikha Inn’s third-floor reception.
The finding said a loosely hanging section of the AC service port may have ignited, spreading flames to electrical cables.
Nine people died, including a Bangladeshi journalist and several Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment.
Police arrested leaseholder Abu Zafar, detained the manager and a staff member, and are searching for the hotel owner.
Guests and local residents alleged inadequate fire safety measures worsened the blaze; at least six people were injured.
- Who
- Nine hotel guests died, including a Bangladeshi journalist and several Bangladeshi nationals; at least six others were injured.
- What
- A fire at Shikha Inn killed nine people and injured at least six others; a preliminary forensic finding linked its origin to an air conditioner.
- When
- The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday; autopsies were scheduled for Thursday.
- Where
- Shikha Inn on Mirza Ghalib Street, near Kolkata’s New Market area.
- Why
- The preliminary forensic finding said a section of an air conditioner’s service port may have sparked and ignited nearby electrical cables; guests and locals also alleged inadequate fire safety measures worsened the incident.
- Deaths
- Nine people
- Injuries
- At least six people
- Suspected origin
- An air conditioner at the third-floor reception
- Location
- Shikha Inn, Mirza Ghalib Street, near Kolkata’s New Market
- Police action
- Leaseholder Abu Zafar was arrested; the manager and a staff member were detained for questioning
- Hotel layout
- About 1,100 square feet, partitioned into five cramped rooms
- Next investigative step
- Post-mortem examinations were scheduled for Thursday after identification of the bodies