PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Lakhisarai, Birbhum

At least seven people were killed and a dozen injured in the stampede. The incident triggered chaos at the temple premises as a large number of devotees gathered to offer prayers and perform rituals on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan.

The PMO also announced Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased in Birbhum, West Bengal. “In the wake of the mishap in Birbhum, West Bengal, PM Narendra Modi has announced Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured,” it said.

The death toll in the hotel fire at Tarapith in Birbhum district rose to seven, police confirmed. The owner of the hotel, named ‘Bideshini’, Kalyan Paul, has been arrested.

Birbhum District Police Superintendent Vidit Raj Bundesh confirmed the rise in the toll. Police are investigating whether the hotel’s firefighting system was in proper condition and whether fire safety rules were followed.

Several residents complained that an exit door at the rear of the hotel was closed, preventing escape, contradicting earlier claims by the owner. Paul stated that extreme panic led many residents to miss the rear exit and attempt to leave through the reception, resulting in burn injuries. The investigating officer is examining these claims.

The fire broke out at the hotel adjacent to Tarapith Police Station around 5 a.m. on Monday. Initial estimates by the fire department indicate a short circuit as the cause. Smoke rose to the fifth floor, but the fire was largely restricted to the first floor and partially to the second, limiting the number of casualties.