9 killed in hotel blaze in West Bengal’s Tarapith
At least 9 people were charred to death, and some others sustained burn injuries when a massive fire broke out in a four-storey hotel at Tara Peeth, a famous pilgrim centre dedicated to Goddess Tara (another form of Mother Kali), in Birbhum district, police said.
The victims, mostly pilgrims, choked to death before they were literally singed helplessly as they could not come out of the hotel as the doors were locked, police said, adding the fire might have broken out from a short circuit. The incident occurred in the small hours of Monday.
Out of the nine dead, five are from Meghalaya and three from Alipurduar, Bengal. The ninth person is a local — the night guard of Hotel Videshini where the fire broke out. The police said 28 people were rescued and admitted to various hospitals.
Locals said the fire started around 4.30 am and rapidly lapped the upper floors. The flames leapt faster due to false ceilings and fibre interior panelling, sources said. Every year lakhs of pilgrims visit Tara Peeth to offer prayers to Goddess Tara and his disciple Bama Khepa, a 20th-century hermit who resided in the temple and the adjacent burning ghat.
“The residents were screaming for help… but were helpless as the doors were locked,” locals said, adding that many took refuge in balconies and even tried to jump down as they were choking. Fire Brigades and local police carried out the rescue operations.
State Fire Minister Koushik Chowdhury said, “I am giving all information to the Chief Minister... A detailed investigation will be conducted… and action will be taken.” Vidit Raj Bhundesh, Superintendent of Police, said the owner of the hotel had been arrested.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his condolences. “Anguished to hear about the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Birbhum, West Bengal.
I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected in the mishap,” he said.
