Kolkata: A devastating fire erupted in two neighboring warehouses in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, with several others still unaccounted for, according to police reports.

The fire, which occurred in the Najirabad area under the jurisdiction of the Narendrapur police station, was extinguished after a grueling seven-hour battle by firefighters, as stated by a senior police official.

During the search operation, three severely burned bodies were discovered around 5 PM in the adjacent warehouses, followed by the recovery of four additional bodies later on.

Baruipur police district Superintendent of Police Shubhendu Kumar mentioned that the identities of the deceased remain unknown due to the extent of the burns.

"We will only know if more individuals were trapped in the fire once the debris is fully cleared," he added.

Initially, six individuals were reported missing; however, families of those believed to be trapped suggested that the number could exceed ten, as the warehouses were home to workers from a decorating company and a well-known momo restaurant chain.

Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing, with efforts focused on extinguishing remaining hotspots within the damaged structures. He noted that high mast lamps had been set up at the scene.

When questioned about the fire safety protocols adhered to by the management of the two warehouses, he stated, "Fire audits are conducted biannually, and all identified issues are addressed, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the owners and company officials to ensure compliance with fire safety SOPs."

As night fell, numerous relatives of the deceased and missing individuals gathered at the site, seeking updates from fire services and police personnel.

"My uncle, who is from Tamluk in Purba Medinipur, was residing in small rooms within the warehouses. He worked for a decorating firm and last contacted me around 1 AM; his phone is now off," shared Tanmoy Giri, who has been waiting since 9 AM.

Another young man expressed concern for his father, who had come for a night shift at the momo unit and has been unreachable since.

All those confirmed dead or missing hail from Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and South 24 Parganas districts.

Earlier in the day, Power Minister Aroop Biswas, who visited the site, informed reporters that verification of any trapped individuals would only be possible once the thick smoke dissipated.

"The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's demolition squad has been deployed to break down walls to allow smoke to escape," he added.

Twelve fire engines were dispatched to combat the blaze, which was reported at 3 AM, and the fire was finally brought under control by 10 AM.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still under investigation, according to officials.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticized the TMC government for its perceived lack of sensitivity and coordination in managing such a significant disaster.

"Ministers and senior officials are enjoying the Republic Day holiday while the poor suffer. The sooner this government is replaced, the better," he remarked.

In response, Biswas stated, "This is not the appropriate time for political commentary on a human tragedy."

Last year, a fire at a hotel in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of fourteen people on April 30.