The Tripura Government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the explosion that rocked a multi-storey apartment building on Ramnagar Road No. 4 in Agartala on June 25, leaving one person dead and raising serious concerns over gas pipeline safety.

As per an official notification issued by the Urban Development Department, the inquiry committee will be chaired by the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. The panel also comprises the Director of Fire & Emergency Services, the Municipal Commissioner of Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Superintendent of Police (West Tripura), and the Chief Engineer of PWD (Buildings).

The committee has been instructed to submit its findings to the state government within seven days. The notification was issued by Dr. Tamal Majumdar, IAS, Special Secretary and Director of Fire & Emergency Services.

The victim, Subhrajit Chowdhury, who sustained critical burn injuries in the explosion, succumbed while undergoing treatment at GB Pant Hospital on Friday.

Speaking to the media, his wife, Reshmi Saha, said she was informed about the incident through a phone call asking her to rush to the hospital. She stated that her husband had earlier mentioned a suspected leakage in the piped gas line at his workplace. According to her, the explosion occurred when he lit an incense stick while offering prayers, possibly igniting the accumulated gas.

Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha visited the blast site and described the incident as deeply unfortunate. He said preliminary findings suggest negligence on the part of Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL).

The Chief Minister said initial investigations indicate that a gas pipeline connected to the building had been left open, allowing gas to accumulate inside the premises. The gas is believed to have ignited when the victim lit the incense stick, triggering the powerful explosion. Chowdhury reportedly suffered nearly 90 per cent burn injuries before succumbing during treatment.

Dr. Saha assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish responsibility and said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence. He also announced that the state government would provide compensation to the families affected by the tragedy.