Shillong: Five pilgrims from Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, including two boys, died in a fire at Hotel Bideshini Yatri Nibas in Tarapith in West Bengal’s Birbhum district early on Monday. Six others from the region were injured and rescued, officials said. The five deceased were among nine who were killed in the blaze. As per reports, three persons were from Alipurduar in West Bengal.The Meghalaya victims were identified by the CM’s office as Rajendra Nath (45); his wife Asha Nath (32); their eight-year-old son Aushnath Madak; Buran Madak (45); and his son Shibraj Madak (10).The six injured people, also from West Garo Hills, were reported to be safe after receiving preliminary treatment.“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 South Garo Hills and injuring six others from our state. Extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to those injured. Our govt is coordinating with the authorities of West Bengal,” Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma posted on his social media handle.CM Sangma announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the five Meghalaya residents who died.“This is an unimaginable tragedy for the families. We have lost citizens from Meghalaya, including two young children, in the most heartbreaking of circumstances,” Sangma said.“On behalf of the people of Meghalaya, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased in this hour of grief,” he added.The Meghalaya CM’s office said the state’s additional resident commissioner was coordinating with the Birbhum district administration to establish details of those affected and provide assistance.The state govt was also helping transport the bodies to the victims’ native place, the statement said.
