Apartment Blast Case: FIR Filed Against TNGCL as Flat Owner Alleges Negligence, Corporation Denies Charges, Cites Pipeline Tampering

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 28, 2026

A police case has been registered against Tripura Natural Gas Corporation Limited (TNGCL) following the fatal explosion at a residential apartment in Ramnagar, Agartala. The complaint was lodged by the flat owner, Sushanta Sur, proprietor of Abacus, who has alleged that negligence on the part of the gas utility company led to the tragic incident that claimed the life of one of his employees Shubhrajit Choudhury.

In his complaint to the police, Sur alleged that TNGCL personnel had installed a piped natural gas line in his flat without obtaining his permission. And he never applied for the same.

He further claimed that after laying the pipeline, the workers allegedly left the gas connection without properly sealing the pipe opening. According to the complaint, gas continued to leak into the closed apartment, filling the entire flat overnight.

The complaint states that on the following morning, an employee entered the apartment to perform daily worship. While attempting to light an incense stick with a matchstick, the accumulated gas allegedly ignited, triggering a powerful explosion. His employee Shubhrajit Choudhury sustained severe burn injuries and later succumbed to them. The flat owner has alleged that the accident occurred solely due to the negligence of TNGCL officials.

However, TNGCL has strongly denied the allegations and rejected any claim of negligence. Following an inspection of the blast site, officials of the corporation said their preliminary findings suggest that the gas pipeline had been altered after installation.

According to a TNGCL official, the safety plug originally fitted at the open end of the gas pipeline had been removed and the section of the pipeline through which gas was meant to enter the kitchen had been cut short and levelled with the wall surface. The official maintained that flat owners are informed about the existence of gas pipelines during installation and are advised to contact TNGCL before obtaining a gas connection or carrying out any modification involving the pipeline.

Sources familiar with the inspection also claimed that a wooden cabinet had been installed in front of the pipeline opening in the affected apartment, raising the possibility that the pipeline had been modified during interior work.

The explosion has triggered serious public concern over gas pipeline safety and installation practices. While the flat owner's complaint directly blames TNGCL for the fatal incident, the corporation insists that unauthorized tampering with the pipeline may have been responsible.

Police have registered the case and launched an investigation. Authorities are expected to examine forensic evidence, technical inspection reports, and witness statements to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether any negligence or unauthorized alterations contributed to the tragedy.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have stated that responsibility will be determined based on the findings of the inquiry.

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