Seven Pilgrims Die in Hotel Fire at Tarapith

A fire broke out at a four-storey hotel in Tarapith, West Bengal, around 5 a.m. on August 17, 2026, resulting in the deaths of seven pilgrims.

Birbhum SP Vidit Raj Bhundesh confirmed that 11 people were admitted to the hospital, while 22 others were rescued from the building by police and fire personnel.

Authorities have detained the son of the hotel owner for questioning, as initial assessments suggest an electric short circuit on the ground floor caused the blaze.