Sittong Homestay Tragedy: Honeymoon Couple Injured in Barbecue Fire

A romantic getaway to Sittong, a scenic village in the Darjeeling hills, turned into a medical emergency on September 17, 2026. A newly married couple from Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur, suffered severe injuries during a barbecue session at a local homestay, raising serious concerns about safety protocols in remote tourist hubs.

The Incident: Flammable Liquid Error

The accident occurred when a flammable substance was mistakenly used to ignite a barbecue grill. Nikita Saha, who had married her husband Samir Das just two months prior, suffered 60% burns as flames erupted rapidly. CCTV footage from the property confirmed that flames spread quickly after a liquid was poured onto the grill.

There are conflicting accounts regarding the specific substance used. According to The Hindu, the husband, Samir Das, alleged that turpentine oil was the cause. However, the homestay owner, Nihal Ayan, reportedly acknowledged employee negligence and stated that kerosene had been poured instead of cooking oil. Mr. Das also sustained burn injuries while attempting to extinguish the fire on his wife's body using his T-shirt.

Allegations of Negligence and Delayed Aid

The victim's family has raised serious concerns regarding the homestay's lack of emergency preparedness. Beyond the cause of the fire, they allege a significant failure in the immediate response. The family claims that after a vehicle was called to transport Ms. Saha to the hospital, it allegedly arrived about 40 minutes later.

Ms. Saha was initially taken to a local hospital before being shifted to a private hospital in Siliguri for specialized treatment. Such delays in remote areas like Sittong can significantly impact the outcome of critical burn injuries.

Legal Investigation and Current Status

The Kurseong police have initiated a probe following a formal complaint lodged by the family. Investigators have already collected CCTV footage and seized the jar containing the liquid used during the incident to establish the exact cause of the fire.

As of September 19, 2026, police reported that no arrests had been made in connection with the incident, though the investigation into the circumstances and the alleged negligence of the homestay staff remains ongoing.

Safety Tips for Homestay Guests in Remote Areas

• Emergency Logistics: Always ask your host for the location of the nearest medical center and a reliable emergency contact number upon check-in.
• Fire Safety Check: Ensure there is a fire extinguisher or a sand bucket available near outdoor cooking areas.
• Supervise Activities: Be cautious with outdoor grills and campfires, especially when staff are handling accelerants or flammable liquids.