The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a demolition drive in Kolkata’s Tiljala area on Wednesday, following a deadly fire at an illegal leather factory in Topsia the previous day. Acting on Adhikari’s directive, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and KMDA jointly began demolishing unauthorized buildings, citing the state’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption. A large police, RAF, and central force presence was deployed to maintain order during the operation.

The fire at the four-storey building in Topsia had claimed two lives and injured five others. Investigations revealed that the building lacked a valid plan and basic fire safety measures. The chief minister’s office received the report on Wednesday morning and ordered the demolition within 24 hours. Two individuals, including the factory owner, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Adhikari warned that any building without a valid plan would face disconnection of electricity and water supply. The Tiljala operation is being viewed as a strong warning to illegal builders across the city.