Shillong, August 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed grief over the deaths of five residents of West Garo Hills in a fire at Hotel Bideshinii near Tarapith Police Station in Birbhum district of West Bengal.
The fire, which reportedly broke out following an electrical spark, claimed eight lives, including the five pilgrims from Meghalaya.
In a social media post, Sangma extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“Our Government is coordinating with the authorities of West Bengal,” Sangma said.
Pained to learn about the fire incident at a hotel near Tarapith Temple in Birbhum, West Bengal that claimed the lives of five residents from West Garo Hills and injuring six others from our state.
Extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing speedy…
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 17, 2026
The fire broke out at the hotel near Tarapith Temple while the Meghalaya residents were visiting the area on a pilgrimage. They were reportedly unable to escape the burning hotel and were charred to death.
The five deceased, all domiciled in Dalu Chaipani in West Garo Hills, have been identified as Rajendra Nath, 45, his wife Asha Nath, 32, their eight-year-old son Ayush Nath, Buran Madak, 45, and his son Shibraj Madak.
Another six pilgrims from Dalu Chaipani survived the fire and managed to escape.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over West Garo Hills, with the Meghalaya government coordinating with authorities in West Bengal following the tragedy.
