Mamata escapes hotel room fire

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday had a narrow escape after a fire broke out in a hotel room she was staying in Malda district while she was campaigning for parliamentary poll.
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 for help.
West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra, who accompanied Mamata in her campaigning along with filmstar-turned lawmaker MP Mithun Chakraborty, said that "after hearing the cries of Mamata, her aide Joydeep rushed to her help and wrapped her with a blanket, pulling her out of the room. The room was filled with smoke."
The police said a doctor came soon and examined her. Fire tenders arrived soon and extinguished the fire. According to Madan Mitra, Banerjee is unhurt and safe.
An investigation is on into the incident, the police said adding they suspected a short circuit behind the fire.
Madan Mitra alleged there was a 'conspiracy' behind the fire.
Mitra said while Mamata was in the first floor room, he himself was in the third floor along with Mithun when the incident took place.