The Beach fire station had previously issued a notice to the textile shop owner, and the corporation had flagged the lack of fire safety mechanisms following a fire audit in 2020–21
A major fire that engulfed a shopping complex at the Mofussil bus stand in Kozhikode has revealed significant safety lapses and building code violations, including unauthorised modifications that obstructed firefighting efforts.
Joint inspections by multiple agencies, including the police, Kerala State Electricity Board, town planning, forensic, and drugs control departments, uncovered the absence of fire alarm systems, blocked fire exits, and alterations that converted corridors and walkways into storage spaces.
The Beach fire station had previously issued a notice to the textile shop owner, and the corporation had flagged the lack of fire safety mechanisms following a fire audit in 2020–21. However, no further action was taken.
Mayor Beena Philip announced a comprehensive probe into the incident, stating that action would be taken if official lapses were found. Opposition leader K C Shobitha highlighted the impact of unauthorised constructions and the lack of a proper fire station within city limits, which affected firefighting capabilities.
Police have registered a case under section 306(1)(c)(FA) of the police standing order. The fire caused an estimated loss of ₹8 crore to Calicut Textiles and also affected other shops, including PRC Medicals, Calicut Apparels, Calicut Fashion Bazar, and Calicut Furnishing.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of fire safety regulations and building codes to prevent such tragedies in the future.