Woman suffers 60% burns after family’s Darjeeling barbecue catches fire

A newly married woman suffered 60% burns and her husband was also injured after a barbecue caught fire at a homestay in Darjeeling’s Sitong, allegedly after kerosene was poured instead of cooking oil, police said on Friday (Sep 18, 2026).

The woman, identified as Nikita Saha, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Siliguri, while her husband Samir Das suffered burn injuries while trying to save her, a senior police officer said.

Mr. Das was released after initial treatment. No arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident, which occurred Thursday night, the officer said.

The family has filed a complaint against the family at the Kurseong police station, he said, adding that an investigation has begun.

“We have received a complaint and are investigating the circumstances that led to the fire. The exact cause will be determined during the investigation,” said the police officer.

“CCTV footage has been collected. A container containing the liquid has also been seized,” he said.

The couple, residents of Chopra in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, got married about two months ago after being in a relationship for several years, the officer said. A few days ago, they traveled to Sitong for their honeymoon.

Incidentally, CCTV footage from the host family showed flames spreading rapidly after something was poured onto the grill, causing Nikita to catch fire.

Mr. Samir was also seen trying to put out the flames by taking off his T-shirt and using it to put out the fire on his wife’s body.

Ms. Nikita’s husband claimed that the fire started after turpentine oil was poured on the grill.

However, the owner of the home, Nihal Ayan, reportedly acknowledged the employee’s negligence and said that kerosene was poured instead of cooking oil.

The family also claimed that no security measures were taken and the authorities did not provide adequate help to the family after the incident.

“A vehicle was called to take Nikita to the hospital, but it reportedly arrived around 40 minutes late. She was first taken to a local hospital and then shifted to a private hospital in Siliguri,” the officer said.

Published – 19 Sep 2026 0:41 AM IST