Massive fire at hotel near Tarapith temple in Bengal kills at least 5

A massive fire broke out at a four-storey hotel in Tarapith, West Bengal's Birbhum district, early Monday morning, claiming at least five lives. Out of the eight individuals killed, five were from Meghalaya and three from Alipurduar, West Bengal. The police reported that 28 people were rescued and taken to various hospitals for treatment.

The fire began around 4:30 am in the reception area of Hotel Bideshini, rapidly spreading to the ground floor and upper levels due to the false ceilings and fiber interior paneling. The hotel, situated near the Tarapith Temple, was filled with tourists during the holy month of Shravan. Guests were seen screaming for help as they sought refuge on open balconies or climbed down balconies to escape the flames.

Local police and fire brigades arrived on the scene following an alert. Fire officials suspect a short circuit as the likely cause, although a full investigation will be carried out. The hotel had a rear exit and emergency staircase, but the grill to the emergency exit was locked, requiring rescuers to break it open to save trapped guests.

The injured, many suffering from burn injuries, were rushed to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. The hotel owner has been detained, and a forensic team has been called in to investigate the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

The West Bengal government has formed a Special Audit Committee to inspect fire safety compliance, electrical installations, and emergency exits at all local commercial accommodations in the wake of the tragedy.