Bulldozers deployed after CM orders crackdown on illegal structures

MP, May 14, 2026, Kolkata : Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday adopted a “zero-tolerance” stance against illegal buildings and factories, directing state agencies to immediately disconnect electricity and water supply to units operating without sanctioned building plans.

After reviewing the findings of a four-member probe committee into the Tiljala fire incident, Adhikari said the factory gutted by fire on Tuesday had been operating illegally and lacked mandatory fire and electrical safety measures.

Hours after Adhikari’s announcement, bulldozers rolled into Kolkata’s Tiljala as the state launched a demolition drive against illegal structures following the factory fire that killed two persons, marking the beginning of an aggressive crackdown on unauthorised establishments.

Heavy earthmovers, accompanied by civic officials and police personnel, were deployed in Tiljala to demolish the building where the illegal leather factory gutted in Tuesday’s blaze was operating, officials reportedly said.

Authorities said the adjacent building where the factory owner resides would also be demolished as part of the drive against illegal constructions in the area.

According to officials, one person was arrested for preventing civic staff from carrying out the demolition.

Earlier in the day, addressing reporters at Nabanna, Adhikari said, “In the Tiljala fire incident, two people died and three were injured. We had formed a team comprising four departments and sought a report. It found the structure was illegal, there was no sanctioned building plan, and basic norms related to fire safety and electricity were not followed.”

The Chief Minister said the Urban Development department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had been directed to demolish the illegal structure within a day with the help of Kolkata Police.

KMC was also instructed to disconnect water supply to such dangerous and illegal factories.

Adhikari said the state government had directed CESC Limited to conduct an internal audit of similar establishments, particularly in Tiljala, Kasba, Mominpur and Ekbalpur, and permanently disconnect power supply to factories functioning without approved building plans.

“We have taken a zero-tolerance stand on illegal buildings and factories. Those involved in such activities have been urged to refrain from them,” he said.

The Chief Minister said two persons, including the factory owner, had been arrested on Wednesday in connection with the Tiljala incident.

Soon after the demolition order, KMC began razing the G+4 building on GJ Khan Road in Tiljala with assistance from Kolkata Police and central forces. The first and second floors housed a leather factory, while the top floor was used as residential space.