Where History Meets the Supernatural in Colonial Kolkata

THE WRITER'S BUILDING

Haunted Halls: The Ghost Stories of Writer's Building  

Standing majestically at BBD Bagh, Writer's Building has long been the seat of power in West Bengal. With its imposing red facade and classical columns, it has witnessed countless events throughout history — from the days of British colonial rule to the struggles for Indian independence. Yet, beyond its architectural grandeur, there lies a darker, more mysterious side to the building. For generations, civil servants, security guards, and late-night workers have whispered of strange, unexplained encounters in its shadowed halls. 

Is the Writer's Building haunted? Let’s explore the eerie tales that have haunted this iconic structure for decades.

Historical Context: A Colonial Legacy of Power and Tragedy

Built in 1777 for the clerks (or writers) of the British East India Company, Writer's Building was a center of British bureaucracy and power in India. The grand edifice stood as a symbol of imperial dominance over Bengal. Over time, the building bore witness to major historical events — none more chilling than the assassination of Lieutenant Colonel N.S. Simpson by Indian freedom fighters in 1930. 

This violent act, a response to colonial oppression, is said to have left an indelible mark on the building. It is in the very corridor where Simpson was killed that many of the building’s most persistent paranormal reports have emerged. Could these tragic events have left behind something more than just memories? 

The Phantom Typist: A Ghost from the Past

One of the most enduring ghost stories from Writer’s Building is that of the phantom typist. Since the 1970s, security guards on night duty have reported hearing the distinct sound of typewriter keys clicking away in empty offices — especially in the building’s older wing. The rhythmic clatter of an old manual typewriter, so vivid and clear, echoes through the silent halls, sending a chill down the spine of anyone nearby. 

When investigated, the sound always stops. But as soon as the guards return to their posts, the typewriter clicks begin anew.

"I've heard it many times during my night shifts. The sound is unmistakable—the rhythmic clicking of an old manual typewriter. But we haven’t had those machines here for decades."  

                                                                                                         — Anonymous Security Guard, 2019

The ghostly typist seems to be forever bound to their work, even after the office has long emptied. But who was this worker, and why does their spirit continue to haunt the building? The answer remains elusive.

The Colonial Officer's Spirit: A Glimpse into the Past

Perhaps the most chilling tale from Writer’s Building is that of a British officer in colonial-era clothing, often spotted walking the corridors late at night. Witnesses describe the officer as appearing solid and real at first glance, only to vanish into thin air when approached. 

The officer is most frequently seen near the grand staircase, particularly during the monsoon season, when the heavy rain and fog seem to enhance the eerie atmosphere. Some speculate that this apparition could be the spirit of a senior official who, according to records, tragically took his own life in the building during the tumultuous period of India's independence in 1947.

Is this officer’s ghost tied to the building’s painful past? Or is he a manifestation of guilt and regret from a period marked by immense political turmoil?

The Third Floor Phenomenon: Cold Spots and Disembodied Footsteps

The third floor of Writer’s Building, particularly the western wing, is notorious for unexplained phenomena. Staff members have reported a variety of eerie incidents, such as:

1- Sudden temperature drops in specific rooms, where the air turns inexplicably cold.

2- Doors closing and locking themselves with no one around.

3- Papers being scattered without any wind or visible disturbance.

4- The sound of footsteps following people through empty corridors — footsteps that often stop when the person turns to check.

The third floor, with its old stone walls and echoing halls, remains one of the building’s most mysterious and unsettling areas.

The Freedom Fighter’s Echo: Voices from the Past

The corridor where Lt. Col. N.S. Simpson was assassinated has long been associated with strange occurrences, particularly around the anniversary of the event. Witnesses claim to hear echoes of running footsteps and shouts, reminiscent of the chaos surrounding the freedom fighters' daring attack. Some even claim to have seen ghostly figures — three young men in revolutionary clothing — possibly the spirits of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh, the brave revolutionaries who were involved in the assassination.

Could the spirits of these young men still haunt the place where they took their stand against British rule? Or are these just echoes of the past, forever replaying the violence and tension of the era?

Modern Day Encounters: The Haunting Continues

Even after Writer’s Building’s renovation and modernization, the reports of paranormal activity continue. Recent accounts include:

1- Electronics malfunctioning without explanation, such as lights flickering or devices turning off and on by themselves.

2- Security cameras capturing unexplained movements or figures that aren’t there.

3- Late-night workers feeling watched, as though an unseen presence is lurking in the empty rooms.

4- Elevators stopping at random floors with no passengers inside, and no explanation for their erratic movements.

Despite efforts to modernize and restore the building, it seems that the spirits of the past are not so easily displaced.

Preservation and Investigation: The Mystery Lingers

Writer’s Building undergoes periodic renovations to preserve its historical charm, but the building’s dark past is never far from the surface. Paranormal investigation teams have repeatedly sought permission to conduct overnight studies, yet access after hours is officially restricted — fueling speculation that the authorities may prefer to keep the building’s supernatural secrets hidden.

For many, the building’s haunted reputation only adds to its allure. Could it be that the spirits of Writer’s Building are protected by the very structure that housed them for so many years?

A Guard’s Perspective: Living with the Unseen

"I've worked here for 15 years. The daytime is normal, busy with government work. But at night, this place transforms. There are corners where the air feels heavy, rooms that never feel empty, even when they are. We've learned to live with it — after all, with so much history in these walls, perhaps it's natural that some of it lingers."  — Senior Security Officer (Name withheld)

                                             

Writer's Building may be a place of government affairs during the day, but when the sun sets and the office workers leave, the building reveals a different face — one that is less concerned with politics and more in tune with the ghosts of a bygone era. 

Conclusion: A Haunting Legacy

Writer's Building stands as a testament to Kolkata’s colonial past, its walls echoing with the stories of power, struggle, and tragedy. The building’s haunting tales — whether of phantom typists, colonial officers, or freedom fighters — have become an integral part of its legacy. 

Is Writer's Building truly haunted, or are these simply tales spun by those who have worked there? The eerie sounds, mysterious sightings, and unexplained events leave little room for doubt that the spirits of the past still linger in its halls.

With so much history woven into its very fabric, it’s no wonder that some of it may never be able to leave.

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