India, March 13 -- Nearly 1,500 people were left homeless after a massive fire broke out at Matiala Village's Mansa Ram Park area late on Wednesday night, gutting nearly 300 jhuggies, according to locals.

No deaths were reported, but slum dwellers spent the day sifting through heaps of ashes searching for their belongings. Residents alleged foul play behind the blaze.

"We cook food daily using cylinders and mud stove and nothing happens. Suddenly, the entire slum was reduced to ashes. Some locals saw three men on bike throw petrol," said 30-year-old Gita Devi, a mother of three. "The fire started at one end and spread like a wildfire. We left everything behind with just holding hands of children and carrying the newborns," she added.

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