Former-President Narayanan's school gutted in fire

Kottayam, Oct 17 (UNI) The school, where former President K R Narayanan had his early education, was gutted in a fire.

Six class rooms, staff room and laboratory of the century-old St Mary's Higher Secondary School at Kuravilanangad in the district yesterday were reduced to ashes in the accident.

Fire force, assisted by the police, battled about four hours to put out the ablaze, which was first noticed by a security guard of a nearby ATM.

Question papers for the half-yearly examination were also destroyed in the fire. Police suspect arson and are investigating.

The school authorities estimated the loss of Rs 1.75 crore.

The town observed a hartal and a rally condemning the incident.

UNI PMM SW HT1110