Kolkata Tragedy: Mother-Son Duo Perish in Suspected Accidental Fire
A devastating incident unfolded in the Satgachhi area of Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata, on Friday evening, resulting in the tragic deaths of a 45-year-old man and his elderly mother. The charred bodies of Abhishek Sikdar and his mother, Chhabi Sikdar (75), were recovered from their third-floor flat in a five-storey building on N N Road.
Fire and Rescue Operation
Residents first noticed smoke billowing from the building shortly after 5:30 pm and immediately alerted the fire brigade. Two fire engines rushed to the scene. According to Kaberi Biswas, a neighbor, firefighters encountered a staircase littered with debris and discarded materials that had been set ablaze, complicating access.
Once the flames were brought under control, authorities broke open the door to the Sikdars' flat, which was locked from inside. The mother and son were found in a severely burnt condition and were swiftly transported to R G Kar Medical College. Unfortunately, doctors declared both deceased upon arrival.
Preliminary Investigation Findings
Police have launched a preliminary investigation, indicating that the fire may have been accidental. Officers suspect that the mother-son duo, who were believed to suffer from mental health conditions, inadvertently started the blaze while attempting to burn waste materials in front of their flat.
A senior officer from the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate explained, "We suspect the mother and the son had lit the fire themselves, trying to burn the debris, and gone inside the flat, believing the flames would not reach inside. But heavy smoke and intense heat engulfed their flat, leading to their deaths."
The investigation suggests that smoke and heat from the burning debris on the stairs spread into the flat, causing fatal smoke inhalation and burns.
Background of the Deceased
Abhishek Sikdar was an academically accomplished individual. He graduated from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, and pursued post-graduation in economics at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. He authored reports and books on economics, with some publications based in the United States.
Despite his academic excellence, neighbors reported that both Abhishek and his mother had recently exhibited signs of mental health issues. They claimed that Abhishek would sometimes throw stones, collect waste in the staircase, and attempt to set it on fire. Police were reportedly aware of these behavioral patterns.
History of Disturbing Incidents
The tragedy follows a series of concerning events involving the family. In 2022, when Abhishek's father, Anindya Kanti Sikdar—a former regional manager of a nationalized bank—passed away, the family did not inform anyone. His body was discovered nearly 10 to 12 days later after neighbors noticed a foul smell and broke open the door.
Over time, the mental condition of both mother and son reportedly deteriorated. They accumulated plastic, paper, and other waste materials, piling them in the staircase. This behavior allegedly forced three other families in the building to relocate due to safety and hygiene concerns.
Community Response and Eyewitness Account
Bitan Bajpayee, a local resident, described the chaotic scene: "When smoke billowed out of the staircase window, people rushed there. The gate was locked. We called the fire brigade and broke the lock with a hammer, but the fire and intense heat on the staircase prevented us from going upstairs."
The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting issues related to mental health awareness and fire safety in residential areas. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire, with a focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future.
