Gwalior inferno: shopkeepers demand more compensation

Gwalior, Nov 8 (UNI) Shopowners affected by yesterday's inferno at the local Vyapar Mela Maidan (Trade Fair Ground), staged a demonstration today, demanding higher compensation.

Colossal loss of human life was averted last afternoon as hundreds of people rushed out of the Maidan where 618 fireworks shops, a car and more than 100 two-wheelers were gutted in the blaze. As per an estimate, the loss was about Rs 10 crore.

Fireworks-sellers demonstrated in front of the collectorate and submitted a memorandum to the collector. The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 70,000 each. The fire's cause is yet to be ascertained.

Congress district President Prakash Khandelwal has demanded the resignation of Mayor Vivek Shejwalkar and Mela Authority Chairman Anurag Bansal. ''A silent procession will be taken out on November 12,'' said Mr Khandelwal.

UNI