‘Whose Money Parked In Momo Factory?’: Amit Shah Flags Corruption After Kolkata Warehouse Fire

Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 16:09 IST

Referring to the fire at the Anandapur warehouses, including a godown linked to Wow! Momo, Shah said the blaze was “not an accident” but a consequence of alleged corruption.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (File photo)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the deadly fire at warehouses in Kolkata’s Anandapur area, alleging that the tragedy was rooted in corruption and administrative failure.

Addressing the BJP Karyakarta Sammelan in North 24 Parganas, Shah said the incident raised serious questions about governance in the state and demanded an investigation to fix accountability.

Referring to the fire at the Anandapur warehouses, including a godown linked to Wow! Momo, Shah said the blaze was “not an accident" but a consequence of alleged corruption.

Paying tribute to the workers who lost their lives, he questioned the circumstances surrounding the operation of the facility and the response of the authorities.

“Whose money is parked in the momo factory? With whom did the owner travel abroad? Why has the owner not been arrested yet?" Shah asked, accusing the state government of shielding those responsible.

He also criticised the delay in the government’s response, claiming that a minister visited the site nearly 32 hours after the fire broke out. “Labourers were trapped inside, screaming for help, and the government remained silent," he alleged.

The Union Home Minister urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a full-fledged probe into the incident and ensure that those found guilty are sent to jail.

The fire erupted at a decorator’s warehouse in Anandapur and rapidly spread to an adjacent godown used by Wow! Momo.

Many workers were reportedly asleep when the blaze began, leaving them little chance to escape. The official death toll has risen to 25, with authorities cautioning that the number could increase as rescue and search operations continue.

Police have collected over 20 DNA samples from family members to identify victims, while several families have lodged missing person complaints, fearing their relatives may still be buried under the debris.

Investigators are examining whether fire safety norms were followed at the 12,000-square-foot warehouse, which stored packaging materials, beverages and other supplies.

Preliminary observations suggest that materials stacked near the entrance may have obstructed movement during the fire.

The tragedy has intensified political tensions in the state. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari staged a protest at the site, holding the Chief Minister responsible for the incident and demanding accountability from the government.

News india ‘Whose Money Parked In Momo Factory?’: Amit Shah Flags Corruption After Kolkata Warehouse Fire

Read More