Owner, her son & manager named in charge-sheet

Kolkata: Investigating officers of the Bagri Market fire incident have submitted the charge-sheet accusing the owner and other portfolio holders of Bagri Market on Thursday. The accused persons have been shown as absconders in the charge-sheet.

On Thursday, sleuths submitted the charge-sheet at Bankshall Court, accusing owner Radha Bagri, her son Barun Bagri and manager Krishna Kumar Kothari. They have been booked under sections of West Bengal Fire Services Act (WBFSA).

On the charge-sheet they have been made accused under Sections 11A WBFSA (general public to take preventive measures for safety from fire), 11B WBFSA (owner or occupier of building to make or carry out arrangements necessary for fire prevention), 11C WBFSA (owner or occupier of high-risk building to provide fire prevention and fire safety measures) and 120B IPC (criminal conspiracy).

It has been mentioned in the charge-sheet that the fire had broken out from a meter box in front of the market. Later, fire spread to the garment shops and others where inflammable material was stored.

It has also been mentioned that there were no fire prevention or firefighting systems installed.

Police have also submitted an appeal before the court to dismiss the prayer of anticipatory bail submitted by the Bagris and Kothari and issue arrest warrant against them. At present police are waiting for the issue of arrest warrant, following which searches will be conducted to nab the trio.

On September 15 last year, fire broke out at Bagri Market, damaging the entire building. Goods worth several crores of rupees were burnt to ashes. The flames were doused after almost 3 days, with the help of 30 fire-tenders.

It was alleged that the Bagri family had fled from the city just after the incident took place. Later, Kothari also absconded, suspecting his possible arrest.