Death Toll Rises to 21 in Bengal Fire; Several Still Missing

Prohibitory orders imposed as identification process begins

PTI, Kolkata, January 29, 2026: The toll in the fire near Kolkata on January 26 has risen to 21, with 13 more bodies found from gutted buildings, while 28 people are still missing, raising fears that the number of fatalities is likely to increase, the police said on Thursday.

The devastating fire reduced to ashes two warehouses and a manufacturing unit of a momo company at Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district, close to the city.

“Given the nature of the incident and the extent of the damage, the possibility of the toll going up cannot be ruled out,” a senior police officer said.

Officials said DNA mapping of the 21 recovered bodies or body parts is likely to begin on Thursday to establish their identities.

“DNA profiling is essential in this case as many of the bodies are severely charred and identification through conventional means is not possible,” the officer said.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area as rescue, recovery and investigation operations continue.