Patna: 3 kids among 4 charred to death in Katihar fire

PATNA: Four people, including three children, were charred to death and a woman was critically injured after their houses caught fire at Shivanand Basti under the Abadpur police station area in Katihar district in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Abadpur police station SHO Sanjay said the three deceased children were identified as Mausami Khatoon (8), Kashmiri Khatoon (3) and Mohammad Ayush (six months).The fourth victim was Rinki Khatoon (25).
“Rinki died during treatment at sadar hospital in Katihar. Noorfa Khatoon (35), who was admitted to the hospital with severe burn injuries, is undergoing treatment. Noorfa is mother of Mausumi and Kashmiri while Rinki was Ayush’s mother,” the SHO said.
He added the incident took place around 2am when an earthen lamp fell down and kerosene spilled onto the floor. “The fire engulfed the houses of Noorfa and Rinki in no time. All three children died on the spot. Locals swung into action and prevented the fire from engulfing other houses,” the SHO said, adding the bodies of the victims were sent for postmortem.
He said senior district administration officials, including circle officer, reached the spot and initiated the process of disbursing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the victims.
“Noorfa’s uncle Mohammad Sajjad has submitted a written complaint in connection with the incident. He has, however, ruled out any foul play,” the SHO added.