At least seven people were killed in a major fire at Hotel Bideshini, located in front of a temple in Tarapith, Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. The report, published on August 17, said the blaze broke out on the ground floor of the five-storey building early Monday. At least six of those killed were pilgrims who had travelled to Tarapith for worship during the month of Shravan. Several people were seriously injured, and the death toll was feared to rise.

Two fire service vehicles were dispatched after the fire was reported, and firefighters began efforts to bring it under control. The immediate cause was not known, although an electrical short circuit was initially suspected. The fire spread rapidly through rooms while most hotel guests were asleep. Children were also present in the hotel, and many people became trapped inside before they could understand the scale of the blaze.

Hotel owner Kalyan Pal said night guards activated fire extinguishers and disconnected electrical wires after spotting the fire. He said the flames had already spread by then. Although firefighters extinguished the fire, smoke rose to the fifth floor. Guests tried to leave in panic, and several people suffered burns after being unable to find an exit.