The fire broke out at the residential hotel named 'Shikha Inn' in Kolkata around 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Most of the hotel guests were asleep at the time of the fire.

On receiving the news, police and fire brigade members quickly reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. Meanwhile, six injured people were rescued from various rooms of the hotel and admitted to a local hospital.

The authorities initially suspect that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit. Besides the fire spreading quickly, thick smoke accumulated in various rooms of the hotel. It is initially believed that the casualties occurred due to suffocation.

On Wednesday morning, Director General of Fire Services Anuj Sharma visited the spot. Investigation and verification are underway to determine the actual cause of the fire, the identities of the dead and injured, and detailed information about the accident.

The incident has caused concern among Bangladeshi nationals residing in Kolkata. The concerned authorities are working on subsequent procedures, including identifying the dead and handing over the bodies.