45 shops gutted in Siliguri

Siliguri, Apr 6 (UNI) At least 45 shops were gutted in a major fire at hawkers market here this evening.

Sources said property and goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in the blaze.

Seven fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the fire that raged for more than two-and-a-half hours.

Most of the shops destroyed in the fire were made of wood and tin.

Short circuit might be the cause of the fire, sources added.

Few businessmen here accused the fire officials of being negligent in their duty.

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