Seven multi-storeyed buildings, 2500 shops gutted in fire

Kolkata, Jan 12 (UNI) At least 2,500 shops and more than seven multi-storeyed bulidings were gutted and property worth crores destroyed in a major fire that broke out at the Barabazar area in central Kolkata early today.

Official sources said over 40 fire tenders were battling to douse the blaze,which broke out at the Jamunalal Bajaj Street in Barabazar at around 0130 hrs.

The fire is yet to be brought under control completely as the site of the outbreak is a large commercial hub and a densely populated area, the sources added.

Disaster management teams and RAF had been deployed in the area.

Senior police officials were supervising the fire fighting and rescue operations. The ravaging fire is reported to have spread to adjoining areas, sources added.

The entire Mahatma Gandhi road was cordoned off and the people in the adjoining residential areas were being shifted to safer places.

However, there were no reports of any casualties or injuries so far.

Local people said shortage of water supply from the nearby Mullickghat pumping station to the area due to power cut compounded the problem for firefighters.

The exact cause of the fire was not yet known and fire tenders were continuing their efforts on war footing. However, it was estimated that property worth a few crores of rupees were reduced to ashes.

UNI DPM PL SP KP1036