Overview
- A pre-dawn blaze at Hotel Bideshini in Tarapith on Monday produced dense toxic smoke that asphyxiated nine guests and injured others, many of whom were pilgrims staying overnight.
- Rescue teams evacuated dozens to Rampurhat Government Medical College where several were treated for smoke inhalation and burns, and firefighters recovered additional bodies from the building and debris.
- Investigators suspect an electrical short near the ground-floor reception started the fire, and forensic teams from Durgapur have been requisitioned to test wiring and materials from the scene.
- Guests and officials alleged serious safety lapses at the hotel, including locked emergency exits, a defunct alarm and combustible false ceilings and furnishings, allegations that the owners dispute.
- Police have arrested the hotel owner and his son, registered cases, announced compensation for victims, and the district has ordered time-bound electrical and fire-safety audits of Tarapith lodging before the Kaushiki Amavasya festival.