HighLights
  1. Newlywed woman suffered 60% burns in Darjeeling barbecue fire.
  2. Homestay employee poured kerosene instead of cooking oil.
  3. Police investigating incident; family alleges negligence and delayed help.

Darjeeling Fire Incident: A honeymoon trip to the hill city, Darjeeling, turned into a tragedy for a couple after the woman suffered 60 per cent burns and her husband was also injured after a fire incident. A barbecue at a homestay in Darjeeling's Sitong caught fire after kerosene was poured by an employee instead of cooking oil.

Police on Friday said the woman, identified as Nikita Saha, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Siliguri. Her husband, Samir Das, also suffered burns while trying to save her. Das was discharged after receiving initial treatment. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident. Nikita's family members have arrived in Siliguri from Chopra as she battles for her life.

What Happened On Thursday Night

CCTV footage, which emerged on social media, shows that the homestay employee arranged a barbecue for the couple at around 8.30 pm and poured fluid onto the fire to cook corn, which suddenly turned into a massive flame. The woman sitting near the barbecue caught the fire, which burnt her 60 per cent. Das is seen attempting to douse the fire with his T-shirt in the video.

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The CCTV footage showed flames spreading rapidly after something was poured onto the barbecue, causing Nikita to catch fire. Nikita's husband alleged that the fire broke out after turpentine oil was poured onto the barbecue.

The couple, residents of Chopra in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, had married about two months ago after being in a relationship for several years, the officer said, adding that they had travelled to Sitong a few days ago for their honeymoon.

Police Launch A Probe Into The Incident

The family lodged a complaint against the homestay at the Kurseong police station. Police officials said they have begun a probe into the matter. "We have received a complaint and are investigating the circumstances that led to the fire. The exact cause will be established during the probe," a police officer said.

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What Homestay Owner Said

Homestay owner Nihal Ayan reportedly acknowledged negligence by the employee, saying kerosene had been poured instead of cooking oil. The family has also alleged that no safety precautions were taken and that the homestay authorities did not provide adequate assistance after the incident.

"A vehicle was called to take Nikita to the hospital, but it allegedly arrived about 40 minutes later. She was initially taken to a local hospital and was subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Siliguri," he said.

(With PTI inputs)


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