Seven killed in Tarapith hotel fire, police say

At least seven people died and several were critically injured in a fire at Bideshini Hotel in West Bengal's Tarapith on Monday morning, police said. The blaze broke out around 5 am on the ground floor, spreading rapidly through the four-storey building. Firefighters brought it under control, and the injured were taken to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital.

Sources differ on the death toll. ABP Live News, quoting the hotel owner, reported five dead and five injured, with the fire starting around 4 am at an air-conditioning switch in the reception area. It said fibre-based fittings fuelled the flames. The Hindu and National Herald, citing police and initial investigations, put the toll at seven and said a short circuit may have caused the blaze. National Herald described the building as five storeys.

Most victims were pilgrims who had come for the final Monday of Shravan. The hotel owner said the night watchman tried to use fire extinguishers, but thick smoke trapped guests on upper floors. Authorities are investigating fire-safety arrangements at the hotel.