- At least nine Bangladeshi nationals, including a four-year-old child, have died following an early-morning fire at a budget hotel in Kolkata, India.
- The victims had travelled to India for medical treatment and were staying at the Sikha Inn when the blaze broke out around 2am on Wednesday.
- Emergency services rescued 28 people from the building and admitted six to hospital, while police initiated a manhunt for the hotel's absconding owner.
- Officials noted that the ageing building lacked essential fire safety equipment, emergency exits, and adequate windows, with many victims dying from smoke inhalation.
- West Bengal authorities have formed a five-member Special Investigation Team to probe the tragedy and announced state-wide fire safety inspections for hotels.
IN FULL
