Rs 50 lakh food grains gutted in fire at wholesale market

Mathura, Feb 11 (PTI) Food grains worth over Rs 50 lakhwere destroyed in a major fire that broke out at a wholesalemarket here today.

"As many as 21 godowns, storing food grains worth over Rs50 lakh were destroyed in the blaze," City Magistrate RamAvtar Raman told reporters.

"Eight fire tenders were pressed into service to dousethe fire that broke out at about 6.00 am. Firemen fought forfour hours to fully extinguish the flames," he said.

The fire was caused most probably due to a short-circuit,however, we are ascertaining the actual cause, he said.

Meanwhile, local trader association claimed the loss dueto the fire was between Rs 2-3 crores.

"The loss is no less than 2-3 crores. The victims shouldbe given full compensation," Mathura Vyapaar Samiti presidentRadha Charan said.

Political parties have also demanded compensation for thevictims.

"If within a fortnight the farmers and shopkeepers do notget relief, we will launch an agitation," BJP vice presidentKalaraj Mishra said.

RLD legislator Puran Prakash and UP Congress generalsecretary Kunvar Narendra Singh also demanded compensation forthe victims.