BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th February 2026: A massive fire broke out in Gournagar block of Kailashahar town on February 13 afternoon, reducing three houses belonging to two daily wage labourer families to ashes.
Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, though the possibility of sabotage has not been ruled out. The exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
The fire completely destroyed the homes of labourers Dulal Bauri and Mangla Bauri, leaving the families with no furniture or essential belongings. Together, the two families comprise 12 members, including two young children and four school-going students.
Since the incident, the victims have been taking shelter in the temporary home of local resident Aftab Ali. Residents allege that despite verbal assurances, no official financial aid or relief has been provided by the administration so far.
This afternoon, a delegation from the Gournagar SHG Village Federation visited the site to assess the situation. The team included Federation President Namita Debnath, Secretary Uma Debnath, Treasurer Najma Begum, and other members. The federation handed over cash assistance to Dulal and Mangla Bauri.
Speaking to reporters, President Namita Debnath said, “Dulal and Mangla are both daily wage earners. Calling them poor does not capture the extent of their suffering. This fire has left them completely destitute. We appeal to society at large to stand beside these families.”
Meanwhile, questions are being raised locally about the role of the Gournagar Gram Panchayat, which has yet to provide any effective support to the victims even days after the tragedy.
