Woman suffers 60% burns after barbecue fire at Darjeeling homestay

A newly married woman suffered 60% burns and her husband was also injured after a barbecue at a homestay in Darjeeling's Sitong caught fire, allegedly after kerosene was poured instead of cooking oil, police said on Friday (September 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 discharged after receiving initial treatment. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident so far, which took place on Thursday night, the officer said.

The family lodged a complaint against the homestay at the Kurseong police station, he said, adding that a probe has begun.