Tarapith, Oct. 27 -- Panic gripped the temple town of Tarapith on Tuesday morning after a fire broke out at a hotel, reviving memories of a blaze that claimed the lives of nine pilgrims two months ago, though this time no casualties were reported, it has raised fresh concerns over fire safety compliance in the area.
The fire broke out at around 4 am at a hotel under Rampurhat police station, along the route to Tarapith. Hotel staff noticed thick black smoke billowing from a guest room and alerted the authorities.
A fire engine reached the spot and brought the blaze under control, preventing further damage. Firefighters had to break several window panes to ventilate the building and clear the smoke.
There were differing accounts of the ca...