Tarapith Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs To 8; PM Modi Expresses Grief
· Free Press Journal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a fire incident at a hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum, West Bengal, as the death toll in the tragedy rose to eight.
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PM Modi expresses grief
Taking to X, Modi said he was “anguished” by the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of those who died. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, adding that the local administration was assisting people affected by the incident.
পশ্চিমবঙ্গের বীরভূমে অগ্নিকাণ্ডে প্রাণহানির ঘটনায় আমি মর্মাহত। যাঁরা তাঁদের প্রিয়জনকে হারিয়েছেন, তাঁদের প্রতি আমার সমবেদনা জানাই। আহতরা দ্রুত সুস্থ হয়ে উঠুন, এই কামনা করি। দুর্ঘটনায় ক্ষতিগ্রস্তদের স্থানীয় প্রশাসন সহায়তা করছে।: প্রধানমন্ত্রী @narendramodi https://t.co/5KDHgnfZUN
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 17, 2026
Fire breaks out at hotel
The fire reportedly broke out following a suspected short circuit at a hotel in Tarapith. According to Birbhum Superintendent of Police Vidit Raj Bhundesh, no smoke or flames were initially visible from outside the building.
Police and fire brigade teams reached the spot and rescued 22 people using ladders, while 11 others were taken to hospital. Of those hospitalised, two were reportedly drowsy, one was treated and discharged, while two others remained under medical care. Seven deaths were initially confirmed, with the toll later rising to eight, according to ANI.
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Bhundesh said a Forensic Science Laboratory team would visit the site as part of the investigation. Hotel operators have been taken into custody after a preliminary case was registered and are being questioned.
Political reactions to tragedy
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the incident, praying for the victims and speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment.
তারাপীঠে আকস্মিক ও মর্মান্তিক অগ্নিকাণ্ডের ঘটনায় আমি শোকস্তব্ধ। এই ভয়াবহ বিপর্যয়ে যাঁরা প্রাণ হারিয়েছেন, তাঁদের আত্মার শান্তি কামনা করছি। যাঁরা আপনজন হারিয়ে নিঃস্ব, তাঁদের এই দুঃসহ শোক সহ্য করার শক্তি ঈশ্বর প্রদান করুন। একইসঙ্গে, যাঁরা আহত অবস্থায় চিকিৎসাধীন রয়েছেন, তাঁদের…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 17, 2026
BJP MLA Dhruba Saha alleged that the fire-safety arrangements were inadequate and called for an overhaul of the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA).