Fire department issues notice to Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office over fire safety lapses
The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street, citing alleged deficiencies in fire safety arrangements and the expiry of the building’s fire clearance.
Officials inspected the office at 9 Camac Street on Monday and also examined the entire building. According to the notice, several irregularities were found during the inspection. The fire department has asked the concerned authorities to appear with relevant documents within 48 hours. The department reportedly stated that the fire safety clearance had expired on August 10.
Six fire safety concerns flagged
According to fire department sources, the notice highlights six issues. Officials reportedly did not find a valid fire safety certificate during the inspection. A construction near one of the gates in the parking area was also flagged as it was allegedly not part of the building’s original plan. Officials said the structure could obstruct the movement of fire engines.
The notice also reportedly mentioned multiple cylinders kept inside the office canteen on the eighth floor and raised questions over the maintenance of the fire pump.
Another major concern was the access arrangement on the eighth floor. According to fire department sources, there is only one gate for entry and exit in the internal corridor, which could create difficulties during rescue operations in the event of a fire. The alarm system on the seventh and eighth floors was also reportedly found inadequate for alerting occupants about a fire.
Inspection follows recent Camac Street clash
The fire department inspection comes days after a disturbance at Abhishek Banerjee’s party office at 9 Camac Street over the alleged vandalism of a signboard.
A scuffle and physical altercation had broken out at the premises last Thursday. The Shakespeare Sarani Police Station has already registered an FIR and summoned Abhishek Banerjee and several other party leaders in connection with the incident.
Against this backdrop, fire department officials arrived at the premises on Monday, accompanied by a police team.
Abhishek calls inspection a ‘circus’
The Trinamool Congress has rented two floors of the building, where Abhishek Banerjee primarily works. Fire officials spent considerable time examining the fire safety arrangements at the premises. One officer who participated in the inspection said some discrepancies had been noticed and that the matter would require further examination.
Officials also said fire safety arrangements were being reviewed at locations across the city.
Abhishek, however, criticised the fire department’s action. In a post on X, he described the inspection as a “circus” and questioned why similar action had not been taken earlier.
Abhishek raises questions over earlier fires
On Tuesday, Abhishek was questioned for around five and a half hours at the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station in connection with the earlier incident. After leaving the police station, he again criticised the BJP-led state government and questioned the timing of the fire department’s action.
He claimed that had the government shown similar vigilance earlier, the loss of lives in the New Market hotel fire could have been prevented. He also referred to the reported burning of 4,000 control units in Alipore a month after the election results and questioned why a fire audit had not been conducted at that time.
