Kolkata: Death toll in Taratala under-construction warehouse collapse rises to 16; probe intensifies

The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction godown shed in Kolkata’s Taratala area has increased to 16, with police saying 33 people were caught up in the incident. Rescue teams have pulled survivors from the debris, while investigators continue to examine what led to the structure giving way.

The collapse, which occurred near Brace Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, has triggered a criminal investigation and administrative action. Police said 17 people sustained injuries, while six arrests have already been made in connection with the case.

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Taratala collapse claims 16 lives

According to Kolkata Police, 16 people have died, and 17 others remain among those affected. Four injured workers were discharged from the hospital on Friday after receiving treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Pappu Kumar Rajak (40), Ghee Kumar (19), Krishna Chowdhury (49), Asgar Hussain (54), Chandrama Chowdhury (60), Rohit Chaudhary (20), Rahul Chowdhury (17), Mannu Kumar (19), Swapan Mondal, Sahil Sardar (15), Husan Iman (44), Ganesh Kalindi (45), Navin Singh (44), Khalek Sardar (40), and two unidentified men believed to be around 40 and 45 years old.

The injured include Ram Prasad Chowdhury, Md. Abid Khan, Suraj Chowdhury, Sohid Kumar, Sandip Pandey, Mustakim Gayen, Rajkumar Rajak Durbasa Mollah, Manikchand Kumar, Rajendra Ram, Jauhar Ali Gayen, Debasish Das, Md. Sonu, Viswa Prakash, Rajesh Ruidas, Bodan Munda, and Kartick Patra.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Visuals from the site in Taratala this morning where an under-construction warehouse collapsed on 24th June. 16 people died in the incident. pic.twitter.com/CFdMTV657Y

— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2026

Crime Branch investigates collapse

According to ANI, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday that the Lalbazar Crime Branch is investigating the case under the direct supervision of the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

He also said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation would blacklist the architect or planner associated with the project. He warned that strict administrative and legal action would be taken against all those found responsible.

CREDAI Bengal distances organised developers

Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Bengal President Sushil Mohta expressed grief over the loss of lives and said member developers follow prescribed construction standards.

“Everyone is deeply saddened by the accident and the loss of lives. As far as CREDAI members are concerned, I want to clarify that they strictly follow the code of conduct, national laws, rules, and building industry norms. For any building, soil testing is done, and recommendations from geotechnical engineers determine the bearing capacity and structural plan,” he said.

Mohta said properly designed high-rise buildings had remained structurally sound even during earthquakes.

“The Taratala incident is different. Illegal buildings, often built by ordinary contractors without supervision or expertise, using poor-quality materials, lead to such accidents…” he added.