Kolkata: A 35-year-old medical representative, Saumya Bhattacharyadied in his sleep, while his bedridden mother was rescued in time after a fire broke out at their Kalighat Road home. Cops said the incident was reported in the early hours of Wednesday.
Three fire engines arrived at the scene and rescued Bhattacharya after a 30-minute effort. The victim, who had sustained 90% burn injuries, was later declared dead on arrival at the SSKM Hospital. The fire tenders finally brought the blaze under control around 3 am.
The cause of the fire is being ascertained with forensic experts visiting the site. Prima facie, cops have not ruled out the possibilities of both accidental and suicidal fires. “His father passed away three months ago. His mother is bedridden. The possibilities cannot be ruled out yet,” said an officer.
According to local councilor Prabir Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Saumya, a Mohun Bagan fan, was staying with his bedridden mother and his sister, who left for night duty at Sector V where she is employed with an IT firm.
His wife and one-and-a-half-year-old child were away at his in-laws’ residence in Burdwan.
“Around midnight, he spoke to his wife on a video call. We did not find anything amiss in him. At 12.45 am, neighbors heard people in the house shouting for help and that a fire had broken out inside. Neighbors rushed out to assist. Calls to his wife and sister were also made, and Saumya could not make it outside. hear him,” said Amit Singh, a local.
According to neighbours, smoke was first seen billowing out at 1 am. Within moments, the entire house was engulfed in flames. Locals notified the fire department. Bhattacharya was admitted to SSKM Hospital, where he was declared dead at 2 am. Mayor Firhad Hakim, MLA Debasish Kumar, and ward 83 councilor Prabir Kumar Mukhopadhyay reached the site soon after.
The cause of the fire is unclear, but initial investigations suggest it was due to a short circuit. However, remnants of mosquito coils and the possible presence of room heaters along with cigarette butts are being checked. “We are making every possible arrangement for the family,” said councilor Prabir.
Three fire engines arrived at the scene and rescued Bhattacharya after a 30-minute effort. The victim, who had sustained 90% burn injuries, was later declared dead on arrival at the SSKM Hospital. The fire tenders finally brought the blaze under control around 3 am.
The cause of the fire is being ascertained with forensic experts visiting the site. Prima facie, cops have not ruled out the possibilities of both accidental and suicidal fires. “His father passed away three months ago. His mother is bedridden. The possibilities cannot be ruled out yet,” said an officer.
According to local councilor Prabir Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Saumya, a Mohun Bagan fan, was staying with his bedridden mother and his sister, who left for night duty at Sector V where she is employed with an IT firm.
His wife and one-and-a-half-year-old child were away at his in-laws’ residence in Burdwan.
“Around midnight, he spoke to his wife on a video call. We did not find anything amiss in him. At 12.45 am, neighbors heard people in the house shouting for help and that a fire had broken out inside. Neighbors rushed out to assist. Calls to his wife and sister were also made, and Saumya could not make it outside. hear him,” said Amit Singh, a local.
According to neighbours, smoke was first seen billowing out at 1 am. Within moments, the entire house was engulfed in flames. Locals notified the fire department. Bhattacharya was admitted to SSKM Hospital, where he was declared dead at 2 am. Mayor Firhad Hakim, MLA Debasish Kumar, and ward 83 councilor Prabir Kumar Mukhopadhyay reached the site soon after.
The cause of the fire is unclear, but initial investigations suggest it was due to a short circuit. However, remnants of mosquito coils and the possible presence of room heaters along with cigarette butts are being checked. “We are making every possible arrangement for the family,” said councilor Prabir.