At least nine people, including a four-year-old child, were killed after a fire broke out at a five-storey building on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early Wednesday, police said. Several people were also injured in the incident.

The fire broke out at around 1:45 am at the building, which houses several hotels. Six people were reported injured, while rescue teams evacuated dozens of occupants from the premises.

According to officials, the deceased included Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities were working to establish the identities of all those who died in the blaze.

Fire Breaks Out at Hotel

The blaze was reported in the early hours at the building located in the Free School Street area of central Kolkata. The presence of multiple hotels inside the building made the rescue operation more challenging.

Five fire tenders were deployed to bring the fire under control. Police personnel and teams from the Disaster Management Department also reached the site and began rescue operations.

A senior official said authorities had rescued around 80 people from the building.

Nine People Killed

Police said at least nine people died in the fire, including a four-year-old child.

The authorities were continuing efforts to identify the victims and establish details about those who were inside the building when the fire started.

Fire Department Minister Kaushik Chowdhury visited the site following the incident and took stock of the rescue and firefighting operations.

Bangladeshi Nationals Among Victims

Officials said the victims included both Indian and Bangladeshi nationals.

The process of establishing the identities of those killed was underway. Authorities were also working to determine how many people were staying in the various hotels operating from the building.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety arrangements in the multi-storey premises.

Short Circuit Suspected

Officials suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, although the exact cause has not yet been established.

Chowdhury said a forensic examination would be carried out to determine what led to the blaze.

Authorities are expected to examine the electrical installations and other safety arrangements in the building as part of the investigation.

Safety Norms Under Scanner

The Fire Department minister also alleged that the building management had failed to comply with basic safety and construction norms.

The allegation is likely to form part of the broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Officials will also examine whether the hotels operating inside the building had adequate fire-safety measures and whether emergency exits and other safety provisions were in place.

Rescue Operations Continue

Firefighters, police and disaster management personnel worked together to evacuate people from the building and prevent the fire from spreading further.

The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment, while authorities continued to assess the condition of the building.

The immediate priority remains identifying the deceased, treating those injured and determining the exact circumstances that led to the deadly fire.

A forensic investigation is expected to establish the cause of the blaze and determine whether violations of fire-safety or construction regulations contributed to the deaths.

A special holding centre in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district has become the focus of an ongoing anti-infiltration operation after 26 Bangladeshi nationals were detained and brought to the facility as part of a statewide verification drive. Authorities say the individuals were identified during recent enforcement operations targeting illegal immigration and are currently being housed at a secured centre in Phatapukur under Rajganj block.

According to administrative sources, the detainees were transported from the Islampur region of North Dinajpur district on Thursday. The group includes 15 women and seven children, prompting officials to balance security measures with humanitarian considerations while legal and identity verification procedures continue.

The development comes amid intensified efforts by state and central agencies to identify individuals allegedly residing in India without valid documentation and to verify their citizenship status through established legal procedures.

Detainees Shifted from North Dinajpur

Officials said the group was brought to the Phatapukur holding centre following a verification exercise conducted in parts of North Bengal. Preliminary findings suggest that the individuals may have entered India illegally several years ago and had subsequently settled in different areas of West Bengal.

Administrative sources indicated that many of those detained were reportedly engaged in informal occupations, including daily wage labour, painting work, and rickshaw pulling. Authorities are currently examining documents and conducting identity verification to establish the exact circumstances of their stay in the country.

The verification process is expected to determine the next course of legal action.

Security Measures Strengthened

Security around the holding centre has been significantly enhanced following the arrival of the detainees. The facility has been secured with high barricades, while surveillance systems have been installed to monitor activities within and around the premises.

Officials confirmed that CCTV cameras are operational throughout the facility and that access remains strictly controlled. Police personnel, civic volunteers, and central security forces have been deployed round the clock to maintain law and order.

Authorities said the enhanced security arrangements are intended to ensure the safe management of the facility while legal proceedings remain underway.

Focus on Women and Children

With a significant number of women and children among those detained, officials have emphasized that adequate arrangements have been made to meet their basic needs.

According to administrative sources, accommodation, food, sanitation facilities, and essential services are being provided inside the holding centre. Authorities have stated that special attention is being given to vulnerable individuals while they remain under administrative supervision.

The detainees are expected to stay at the centre until verification procedures and related legal formalities are completed.

Verification and Legal Process Underway

Officials have not yet announced a final decision regarding the future status of the detainees. However, sources indicated that the matter is being handled in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures governing foreign nationals and border management.

Identity verification remains the primary focus at this stage. Authorities are examining documents, conducting background checks, and coordinating with relevant agencies before determining any further action.

Administrative officials stressed that all steps will be taken in accordance with legal requirements and due process.

Possible Coordination with Border Agencies

Sources familiar with the process indicated that, following completion of verification, coordination with border management authorities could take place if required under existing legal frameworks.

The Border Security Force (BSF) may become involved in subsequent stages depending on the outcome of identity checks and administrative review. Officials, however, have not issued any formal statement regarding future transfers or repatriation-related procedures.

Public Interest and Administrative Response

The development has drawn attention from local residents, particularly given the heightened security presence around the holding centre. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid speculation and rely only on official information regarding the case.

The Phatapukur facility has emerged as an important administrative centre during the ongoing anti-infiltration drive, reflecting broader efforts by government agencies to verify the status of suspected foreign nationals and maintain updated records.