CM Dr. Manik Saha visited the Ramnagar blast site after educator Subhrajit Chowdhury died from severe burn injuries. A high-level inquiry has been ordered as investigators suspect a faulty PNG gas pipeline caused the tragic explosion in Agartala.
A day after the mysterious explosion that rocked an apartment in the Ramnagar locality of Agartala, the victim, Subhrajit Chowdhury, succumbed to his severe burn injuries while undergoing treatment at GB Pant Hospital on Friday. The tragic incident has prompted the Tripura government to launch a high-level investigation, with Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha personally visiting the blast site and assuring a thorough and impartial probe.
Subhrajit Chowdhury, an educator associated with SIP Abacus, an institution known for providing cognitive skill development training to children, suffered nearly 90 percent burn injuries in the explosion. Despite intensive medical care, he passed away before arrangements could be made to shift him to Kolkata for advanced treatment.
Expressing profound grief over the educator’s untimely demise, Chief Minister Dr. Saha conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. In a statement, he said he was deeply saddened by the death of the young teacher who lost his life following the devastating blast.
“Yesterday, a tragic incident occurred in a flat at Ramnagar where Subhrajit Chowdhury sustained critical burn injuries. Despite all medical efforts, he breathed his last today. I express my heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Chief Minister said.
Following his visit to the accident site, Dr. Saha said that preliminary findings indicate the explosion may have resulted from a fault in the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) pipeline installed inside the building. However, he stressed that only a comprehensive and impartial investigation would establish the exact cause.
According to the Chief Minister, one section of the PNG pipeline had allegedly been left open in an unsafe condition within the building. While PNG connections were actively supplying gas to residential flats on the upper floors, the same pipeline network had also been extended to the flat occupied by Chowdhury, which was being used as an office and classroom.
Officials believe that gas leaked continuously through the unsecured pipeline connected to the vacant line. Investigators suspect that when Chowdhury attempted to light an incense stick inside the flat, the leaked gas came into contact with the open flame, triggering a powerful explosion that engulfed the room and left him critically injured.
The flat served as a coaching centre where Chowdhury regularly conducted classes for students. The incident has shocked residents of Shankar Chowmuhani and the wider Agartala community, raising serious concerns over gas pipeline safety and maintenance standards.
Piped Natural Gas services in Agartala are supplied by Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL), a public sector undertaking operating under the supervision of the state government. Authorities are now examining whether negligence in the installation or maintenance of the gas pipeline contributed to the accident.
To ensure accountability, the Government of Tripura has constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within seven days.
The investigation panel also includes the Director of Fire and Emergency Services, the Commissioner of Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Superintendent of Police of West Tripura, and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (Building). The committee will examine every aspect of the explosion, identify any lapses, and recommend action against those found responsible.
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Chief Minister Dr. Saha reiterated that the government is committed to conducting a transparent investigation and ensuring justice for the victim’s family. He emphasized that if negligence or safety violations are established during the inquiry, strict action will be taken against those accountable.
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The tragic death of Subhrajit Chowdhury has sparked widespread concern across Tripura, with citizens demanding stricter safety protocols for PNG infrastructure and regular inspections of gas pipeline installations to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the high-level probe gets underway, the state government faces growing expectations to determine the exact cause of the fatal blast and implement measures that strengthen public safety.
