Kolkata: Mamata slams FICCI for backing AMRI directors

Kolkata, Jan 3: After the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) demanded the immediate release of arrested AMRI directors, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed FICCI, stating that the state didn't want any industry that consumed several lives.

"A chamber has said that the directors of AMRI should be released. I want to tell them that we want industry here, but we do not want industry that will kill people.

"A murderer's identity is that of a murderer, a terrorist is a terrorist. I cannot pardon someone on grounds that the person has a different identity," said Mamata.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry had strongly opposed the arrest of 7 AMRI directors. They claimed it as 'anti-industry' and not 'completely non-discriminatory'.

Continuing their attack, FICCI demanded the immediate release of directors as they were not responsible in the day-to-day operations.

Arguing their point, FICCI said that offenders should get punishment only after a transparent inquiry holds them guilty.

Seven AMRI directors were arrested on Dec 11 and charged with culpable homicide after a devastating fire swept through the floor of the South Kolkata's AMRI Hospital claiming 93 lives. They are currently under judicial custody. Meanwhile, the West Bengal police announced compensation to 29 kins of the deceased.

OneIndia News