Darjeeling Honeymoon Accident: Newlywed Woman Suffers 60% Burns in Barbecue Fire

Darjeeling Honeymoon Accident: A honeymoon trip to the Darjeeling hills ended in a serious accident for a newly married couple after a barbecue fire suddenly spread toward the bride. The woman, identified in reports as Nikita Saha Das, suffered burns covering around 60 per cent of her body. Her husband, Souvik Das, was also hurt while attempting to put out the flames.

The incident took place on September 13 at a homestay in the Sittong area of Darjeeling. The couple had travelled to the hill region shortly after their marriage and had arranged a barbecue at the property that evening.

CCTV footage from the homestay captured the incident and has since circulated widely on social media. The video shows the couple sitting near the barbecue when a person handling the fire pours a liquid onto or near the flames. Within seconds, the fire suddenly rises and reaches Nikita, leaving her engulfed in flames.

Souvik immediately rushed toward his wife after she caught fire. The footage shows him trying to help her as others at the property also move toward the scene. The person seen handling the barbecue reportedly removed his T-shirt and used it in an attempt to put out the flames.

Nikita suffered extensive burn injuries and was taken for medical treatment. Reports say she was later shifted to a private hospital in Siliguri, where she continues to receive treatment. Her husband also sustained burns to his hand while trying to rescue her and was later discharged after receiving initial treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the fire have now become the subject of a police investigation. Souvik has filed a complaint alleging negligence at the homestay and has raised questions about the emergency arrangements available at the property.

One of the major concerns raised by the family is the alleged delay in arranging transportation for Nikita after the accident. Souvik has said that there was no immediate medical facility or vehicle available at the homestay, forcing the couple to wait before they could leave for treatment.

There are also differing accounts about the liquid involved in the incident. Police have said the exact circumstances are still being investigated. The homestay owner, according to a report published by The Telegraph, acknowledged negligence by an employee and said kerosene had allegedly been used instead of cooking oil. Other accounts have described the substance only as an unidentified or flammable liquid.

The case has also drawn attention to fire-safety arrangements at tourist homestays where barbecues and open-flame activities are offered to guests. The CCTV footage is expected to be among the material examined as investigators determine how the fire started and whether safety procedures were followed.

Police have confirmed that a complaint has been received and that the circumstances leading to the incident are being examined. No final conclusion about responsibility has been announced while the investigation continues.

What began as a holiday for the newly married couple has therefore turned into a medical and legal ordeal, with Nikita undergoing treatment for serious burns and authorities examining the events that led to the sudden fire.