States » EastPosted at: Oct 27 2026 4:52PM


Bengal: Fire at Tarapith hotel raises safety concerns ahead of Kali Puja

Tarapith, Oct 27 (UNI) Panic gripped the temple town of Tarapith on Tuesday morning after a fire broke out at a hotel, reviving memories of a blaze that claimed the lives of nine pilgrims two months ago, though this time no casualties were reported, it has raised fresh concerns over fire safety compliance in the area.
The fire broke out at around 4 am at a hotel under Rampurhat police station, along the route to Tarapith. Hotel staff noticed thick black smoke billowing from a guest room and alerted the authorities.
A fire engine reached the spot and brought the blaze under control, preventing further damage. Firefighters had to break several window panes to ventilate the building and clear the smoke.
There were differing accounts of the cause of the fire. Hotel owner Loknath Das claimed that an electrical short circuit in the false ceiling triggered the blaze, which then spread to the bed and pillows.
However, a preliminary assessment by the fire department suggested that a burning cigarette left in an ashtray might have caused the fire. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.
The incident has also brought the hotel's fire safety compliance under scrutiny. Shuvendu Sarkar, officer-in-charge of the Rampurhat Fire Station, said the hotel was operating without a valid fire licence, although an application for one was pending.
The fire has heightened concerns among local authorities and residents ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali, when Tarapith is expected to witness a large influx of devotees.
The incident has renewed questions over tourist safety and the enforcement of fire safety regulations at hotels and other accommodation facilities in the popular pilgrimage town.
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Tags: #Bengal: Fire at Tarapith hotel raises safety concerns ahead of Kali Puja
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