A Tamil Nadu family, who came to Kolkata for a holiday, faced a heartbreaking tragedy after a fire broke out at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata. The fire, which happened on April 29, killed T Prabhu’s two children, P Diya (10) and P Rithan (3 years and 8 months old), along with his father-in-law, L S Muthukrishnan (61).
The family was planning to board a train to Chennai the next day and had stayed overnight at the hotel. However, they were devastated when the fire claimed the lives of their loved ones. After returning to Tamil Nadu with the bodies, T Prabhu noticed that some personal items were missing. He claims that jewelry, including a silver necklace, silver belt, a gold kara, and a gold chain and ring, as well as his father-in-law’s wallet and phone, were gone.
T Prabhu reported this to the Kolkata Police from Tamil Nadu. The police have started investigating the matter. According to the family, the ornaments and valuables were on the bodies when the fire occurred, but were missing when the bodies were returned. The family said they were too shocked to report the missing items earlier but formally raised the issue last Friday.
Madhumita, Prabhu’s wife, said, “These aren’t just things, they’re the only memories we have left of our loved ones.” She added that her father had called them during the fire and said that smoke was filling their room.
The family had stepped out to buy food when the fire broke out. Madhumita’s father and children were inside the hotel room and died due to the smoke inhalation.
Prabhu and Madhumita have asked the police to help recover the missing belongings. The police said they are still looking into whether the ornaments were on the bodies when they were recovered or if they were removed during the autopsy. The police have promised to talk to the staff who were present during the autopsy and search the hotel room where the family stayed. They have also assured the family that any belongings found will be returned after all formalities are completed.
The fire at Rituraj Hotel killed 14 people, and for Prabhu and Madhumita, the only thing they want now is the return of their loved ones’ personal belongings.
