1 week ago
Kolkata Police Targets Fake Licence Racket After Hotel Fire
Police in Kolkata say some people may have helped hotels get licences illegally.
They allegedly took large amounts of money in return.
Hotel owners in the New Market area said they paid for fire-safety certificates.
The police are trying to find everyone involved.
Officials who dealt with these licences are also being investigated.
Many hotels could be closed if they do not meet fire-safety rules.
The investigation follows a fire at Shikha Inn.
Nine people died, reportedly after breathing in smoke.
A Special Investigation Team uncovered an alleged broker network arranging hotel licences for hefty payments.
Kolkata Police said it is identifying those involved and will take strong action to dismantle the racket.
Several New Market hotel owners said they paid Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for three-year fire-safety certificates.
Officials who handled fire-safety and fire-licence matters over the past 10 to 12 years are under investigation.
At least 60 to 70 hotels in New Market could be shut for lacking fire-safety compliance after a fire killed nine people at Shikha Inn.
- Who
- Kolkata Police, a Special Investigation Team, hotel owners, alleged brokers, and officials connected with fire-safety licensing.
- What
- Police are investigating and seeking to dismantle an alleged racket that issued illegal hotel licences and fire-safety permissions.
- Where
- Kolkata, particularly the New Market area and the Shikha Inn hotel near New Market.
- When
- The action followed a hotel fire days earlier; the fire broke out around 1:45 AM, and officials said some licensing practices had continued over the past 10 to 12 years.
- Why
- The investigation began after a fire killed nine people and uncovered allegations that hotels obtained safety certificates and other permissions through cash payments.
Police and Investigators
Hotel Owners’ Account
Nature of the licensing process
Police and Investigators
Police and the Special Investigation Team describe an alleged broker network that arranged illegal permissions in exchange for money.
Hotel Owners’ Account
Several hotel owners said they obtained fire-safety certificates by paying cash, including Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for three-year certificates.
Responsibility for illegal approvals
Police and Investigators
Police are identifying brokers and examining officials who handled fire-safety and fire-licence matters over the past 10 to 12 years.
Hotel Owners’ Account
The hotel owners’ accounts indicate that applicants relied on intermediaries or officials to obtain the required permissions.
Key facts
- Deaths
- Nine people died in the Shikha Inn hotel fire.
- Fire time
- The fire broke out at around 1:45 AM.
- Alleged certificate payments
- Hotel owners said they paid Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for three-year fire-safety certificates.
- Earlier alleged fire-licence cost
- Sources said fire licences previously cost about Rs 50,000 in cash.
- Potential closures
- At least 60 to 70 New Market hotels could be shut for lacking fire-safety compliance.
- Investigation focus
- The probe is examining an alleged broker network and officials who handled fire-safety and fire-licence matters.
Quotes
Kunal Agarwal
Kolkata Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime)
“We are trying to dismantle the racket. Multiple individuals are involved in this. They will be identified and strong action will be taken against them.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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