‘Result of Corruption’: Amit Shah Blames Mamata Govt for Deadly Wow! Momo Fire

'Result of corruption': Amit Shah blames Mamata govt for 'Wow! Momo' blaze that killed 27

A devastating fire at a food processing unit in Kolkata’s Teghoria area has not only left a city in mourning but ignited a fierce political storm. The Wow! Momo fire, which tragically claimed 27 lives, is now at the center of a national controversy after Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared it was not just an accident—but the “result of corruption.”

Shah’s explosive statement, made during a public rally in West Bengal, squarely places the blame on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, accusing it of gross negligence, lax enforcement of safety norms, and a culture of impunity that allowed such a disaster to happen. As families grieve and questions mount, this tragedy has become a flashpoint in India’s ongoing debate over industrial safety, governance, and political accountability.

Table of Contents

The Wow! Momo Fire Tragedy: A Timeline

The fire broke out in the early hours of January 31, 2026, at a multi-story building housing a Wow! Momo production facility in Teghoria, on the outskirts of Kolkata [[1]]. Workers were reportedly trapped inside as flames engulfed the structure, with many forced to jump from upper floors to escape the inferno.

Key facts from the incident:

  • Death Toll: 27 confirmed dead, including several young women workers [[1]].
  • Injured: Over 15 others were hospitalized with severe burns and smoke inhalation [[2]].
  • Rescue Operation: Conducted by Kolkata Fire Service and local police; hampered by narrow access roads and lack of proper firefighting infrastructure [[3]].
  • Building Status: Preliminary reports suggest the building may not have had a valid fire safety certificate or adequate emergency exits [[4]].

Amit Shah’s Scathing Accusation

Speaking at a BJP rally in North 24 Parganas, Amit Shah delivered a blistering critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. “This is not an accident,” he stated. “This is the result of corruption. When licenses are sold and safety rules are ignored for bribes, innocent lives pay the price” [[5]].

Shah demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, arguing that a state-led probe would be compromised. He also called for the immediate arrest of factory owners and complicit officials, framing the incident as emblematic of a broader governance crisis under Mamata Banerjee’s decade-long rule.

Mamata Banerjee’s Response and State Govt’s Defense

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and announced compensation of ₹5 lakh to each victim’s family [[6]]. However, she stopped short of accepting systemic failure, instead calling it a “tragic industrial mishap.”

The state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry and suspended two local fire safety officers for alleged dereliction of duty [[7]]. Critics argue this is a superficial move, pointing to repeated warnings from labor rights groups about unsafe working conditions in West Bengal’s informal manufacturing sector.

Industrial Safety in West Bengal: A Pattern of Neglect?

This is not an isolated incident. In 2023, a fire at a chemical warehouse in Howrah killed 12. In 2024, a garment factory collapse in Barasat injured dozens. Each time, promises of reform were made—and quickly forgotten.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), West Bengal consistently ranks among the top five states for industrial accidents involving fire and structural failure [[8]]. Experts cite chronic underfunding of inspection departments, political patronage of business owners, and weak whistleblower protections as root causes.

Public Outcry and Demands for Justice

Civil society groups and opposition parties are demanding more than just compensation. Their key demands include:

  1. A central agency (CBI or NIA) investigation into the licensing and safety clearance process.
  2. Criminal prosecution of factory management and municipal officials who approved the building’s use.
  3. A statewide audit of all food processing and small-scale manufacturing units.
  4. Stronger whistleblower laws to protect workers who report safety violations.

The hashtag #JusticeForWowMomoWorkers trended nationally on social media, reflecting widespread public anger [[9]].

Conclusion: Accountability Beyond Politics

While the political blame game between the BJP and TMC dominates headlines, the real story is about 27 lives lost in a preventable tragedy. The Wow! Momo fire is a grim reminder that regulatory capture and bureaucratic apathy have deadly consequences. Whether this becomes a catalyst for genuine reform—or just another footnote in a cycle of outrage and inaction—depends on sustained public pressure and institutional courage. For now, the victims’ families deserve truth, justice, and a promise that no one else will suffer the same fate. Follow [INTERNAL_LINK:west-bengal-industrial-safety] for ongoing coverage of this critical issue.

Sources

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