Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ashish Saha on Sunday visited the family of Shubhrjit Chowdhury, who died after the Ramnagar Apartment gas blast in Agartala, and demanded a detailed investigation into the tragedy. Saha alleged that a possible TNGCL-related gas connection issue led to the accident and urged the state government to provide compensation, financial assistance and a government job to support the victim’s family.
At a glance
- Incident: Fatal blast at a residential apartment in Ramnagar, Agartala
- Victim: Shubhrjit Chowdhury, who later died from burn injuries
- Congress demand: Independent investigation and action against those responsible
- Family support demand: Government job and compensation for the victim’s family
- Safety concern: Review of gas pipeline and electrical safety systems in multi-storey buildings
Agartala: TPCC president Ashish Saha visited the residence of late Shubhrjit Chowdhury along with a delegation on Sunday. He met Shubhrjit’s mother, his wife and other family members who continue to mourn the tragic loss.
Saha expressed grief over the death and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He said the Congress delegation stood beside the family during their difficult time.
The Congress leader said the incident had caused immense suffering, especially for Shubhrjit’s mother and his newly widowed wife. He demanded that authorities conduct a transparent investigation to identify the exact cause of the blast and fix responsibility.
The Ramnagar apartment explosion occurred on June 25 and left several people injured. Shubhrjit Chowdhury later succumbed to his injuries at GBP Hospital. Initial investigations focused on a suspected gas pipeline-related incident inside the apartment.
Congress raises questions over possible gas connection failure
Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Ashish Saha said information available to them suggested that the accident might have links with a TNGCL gas connection issue.
He questioned whether negligence or a safety lapse contributed to the tragedy.
“An investigation must find out who was responsible and whether anyone’s negligence caused this accident,” Saha said.
The Congress leader demanded accountability while stating that the family deserved justice after losing their son and husband.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the blast has examined different aspects, including the condition of the gas pipeline inside the flat. Reports from the preliminary probe suggested possible changes or alterations in the internal pipeline arrangement, while TNGCL denied negligence allegations and pointed towards possible pipeline modification inside the premises.
Demand for government job and compensation for victim’s wife
Ashish Saha also highlighted the financial uncertainty facing Shubhrjit’s family.
He said the government should immediately consider providing employment assistance to the victim’s wife or another eligible family member. He also demanded proper compensation so that the family could manage their future.
According to Saha, the government should not limit its response only to an inquiry. He urged authorities to provide direct support to the affected family.
“The family needs government assistance to rebuild their life after this tragic loss,” he said.
Safety concerns over Agartala’s growing apartment culture
The TPCC chief also connected the Ramnagar tragedy with broader urban safety concerns.
He pointed out that Agartala has witnessed rapid growth in multi-storey residential buildings. He questioned whether authorities properly monitor safety arrangements in these buildings.
Saha specifically raised concerns over:
- gas pipeline installations,
- electrical systems,
- other risk-prone infrastructure inside apartments.
He urged the government to conduct safety inspections and ensure that residential buildings follow proper safety standards.
The Ramnagar blast has already triggered wider discussions about gas pipeline safety, maintenance practices and awareness among apartment residents. Authorities have formed a high-level inquiry committee to examine the cause of the explosion and submit recommendations.
Investigation must not remain incomplete, says Congress chief
Ashish Saha criticised what he described as delays in previous investigations into serious incidents.
He demanded a time-bound inquiry and immediate government action after the investigation. According to him, the Ramnagar blast should become a turning point for improving safety mechanisms in urban residential areas.
The Congress leader said the government must ensure that such incidents do not happen again and that families affected by tragedies receive timely support.
Government probe continues after Ramnagar tragedy
Earlier Enewstime reported that the Tripura government has already initiated a detailed inquiry into the apartment explosion. The probe committee includes senior officials from departments related to urban development, fire services, municipal administration, police and public works.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on determining the exact sequence of events that caused the blast and whether any safety rules were violated.
According to our Enewstime Correspondent in Agartala, the tragedy has left the family of Shubhrjit Chowdhury seeking answers, while political parties continue to demand accountability and stronger safety measures across the state. Besides, residents of different apartments in Agartala are also worried about their safety.
“It is important to know the reason behind the blast. Was it due to the negligence of the TNGCL or the flat owner’s fault? The answer will be crucial for future safety measures to avert similar mishaps”, one of the occupants of the ill-fated apartment commented in response to a query of our correspondent.
