Balurghat, Sept. 13 -- A major fire destroyed three ground-floor shops and damaged a pathological laboratory at Pal Market in Balurghat block's Patiram Bazar in the wee hours of Sunday.
The fire broke out at around 2:00 am at Kajal Haldar's wholesale stationery shop before spreading to his brother Kamal's store and an adjacent tobacco shop owned by Raju Mahanta. Losses are estimated at Rs 15 lakh, hitting the traders severely ahead of the festive season. The intense heat damaged two air-conditioners and equipment at Parimal Pal's first-floor laboratory, though most machinery remained safe. Two fire engines successfully brought the inferno under control. While a short circuit is suspected, the official cause is still under investigation.
Visiting the site on Sunday to inspect the extent of the damage, Tapan MLA Budhrai Tudu said: "I have visited the affected shops. The matter will be brought to the attention of the concerned authorities so that the affected traders can receive necessary assistance." Local resident Raju Haldar also highlighted the tragedy, saying: "The affected traders had stocked a large quantity of goods before the festive season and their losses are substantial.
We want the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and extend support to the victims."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.