Nine People Die in Kolkata Hotel Fire Incident

A fire at the Shikha Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of nine people on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The fire started at approximately 1:45 AM and led to fatalities among both Indian and Bangladeshi nationals.

Details of the Victims

The victims included five Bangladeshi nationals and one Indian citizen, while the identities of three others are still being confirmed. Among the deceased were four members of a family from Kushtia, including a journalist and his two-year-old son. Another victim was identified as a 37-year-old man from Dhaka. Six other Bangladeshi nationals were injured but were released after receiving medical care. According to United News of India, five fire tenders worked to control the blaze after smoke filled the building.

Investigation and Official Response

West Bengal Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services Kaushik Chowdhury stated that the hotel management did not follow safety and building rules. The West Bengal government has formed a five-member team to conduct an inquiry, and the Kolkata Police have set up a Special Investigation Team to look into the incident. While officials suspect an electrical short circuit caused the fire, the final cause is still being investigated by forensic experts. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has opened a 24-hour helpline to help with the return of the bodies.