Kolkata, June 25: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), West Bengal State Committee has expressed profound grief over the tragic collapse of the under-construction multi-storey structure at the logistics hub of Octavius Industries Limited in Taratala, Kolkata, which claimed several workers' lives and left many others critically injured.
In a statement issued by State General Secretary Ziaul Alam, CITU conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured workers.
Describing the incident as a consequence of serious lapses in workplace safety, the trade union alleged that inadequate enforcement of construction safety regulations and weak government oversight have left thousands of construction workers exposed to life-threatening risks.
CITU has placed a series of demands before the West Bengal government, including:
- Full responsibility for the medical treatment of all injured workers.
- Compensation of ₹5 million (₹50 lakh) to the families of every deceased worker and to workers who have suffered permanent disability.
- Government employment for one eligible family member of each deceased or permanently disabled worker.
- A swift, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the collapse, with exemplary punishment for all those found responsible.
- Immediate publication of the names and details of all deceased, injured, and missing workers on official government platforms.
The organisation further urged both the state and central governments to strengthen occupational safety regulations in the construction sector, ensure strict enforcement of safety standards at worksites, and hold employers accountable for any negligence that endangers workers' lives.
CITU announced that it would observe a statewide Day of Mourning and Protest in solidarity with the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to stand firmly beside the affected workers and their families until justice is secured.
The union emphasized that the Taratala tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for comprehensive reforms in workplace safety and labour protection across the construction industry.
