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Major fire in Kolkata: Army not allowed to take part in operation

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Kolkata, April 26: A massive fire at the Citi Mart Store Kolkata was brought under control, but the incident was marred by a jurisdictional war. The army alleged that despite being better equipped and the area falling under its jurisdiction, the state government had not permitted them to undertake the operation.

However the fire which engulfed the building for nearly five hours was brought under control and fortunately no loss of life or injury was reported. The fire broke out at the Citi Mart Store in the New market situated in Central Kolkata on Sunday evening.

Fire

What the army says?

The army alleged that on hearing about the fire it sent out its team led by a senior official to douse the fire. However the fire service of the state government which was also present did not permit the army to undertake the operation.

The army alleged that the jurisdiction falls under the army and they ought to have been allowed to handle the situation. The army also alleged that they could have handled the situation more ably as they were better equipped compared to the state government. The state officials had told the army team to stay away from the spot and instead wait near Chowringee.

The contention of the State government:

An officer in the West Bengal government said that there is no need to make an issue out of this incident. The army team reached only after the state government fire tenders had reached the spot. It is not about being more equipped, but it is the job of the state government and we had pressed into service our machinery much before the army did.

The army’s services were not required as the state machinery managed to douse the fire and ensured that there were no casualties. The Mayor Sovan Chatterjee told the media that the army would have been called in if it was required, but then the state handled it.

OneIndia News

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