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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday had a narrow escape after a fire broke out in a hotel room she was staying in Malda district while she was campaigning for the April 24 Lok Sabha polls.
The police said that at around 6.40 pm the air-conditioner in the room caught fire while she was inside the toilet. She felt uneasy after inhaling the smoke as she shouted the name of an aide, Joydeep, for help.
State transport minister Madan Mitra, who accompanied the CM in her campaigning, told PTI, "After hearing the cries of Banerjee, Joydeep rushed to Banerjee's help and wrapped her with a blanket, pulling her out of the room. The room was filled with smoke." Filmstar-turned TMC MP Mithun Chakraborty was also present.
According to Mitra, Banerjee is unhurt and safe. The police said they suspect a short circuit behind the fire. Mitra told PTI that there was a "conspiracy" behind the fire.
