Kolkata, 14 June (H.S.) – A massive fire broke out at a sweet shop in the Saharbasar area of Purba Bardhaman district early Saturday morning, leaving four people, including the shop owner, severely injured. The incident occurred near the Saharbasar Bus Stand in the Khandaghosh block while routine sweet-making operations were underway.

The shop owner, Murari Mohan Roy, and three employees suffered serious burn injuries. Local police from Saharbasar outpost rushed to the spot upon receiving the alert and, with the help of residents, managed to douse the flames. The injured were immediately taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a gas leak may have caused the fire, though police have not ruled out other possible reasons. An official inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Following the blaze, panic gripped the area. As a precautionary measure, police cordoned off the shop and its surrounding vicinity. Officers from Khandaghosh Police Station are trying to ascertain how the fire started and under what circumstances.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, giving the shop owner and the workers little time to escape. All four were trapped inside and sustained critical injuries before they could be rescued.

Local residents noted that the damage could have been far worse had the police not arrived on time. Authorities are now examining CCTV footage and collecting other evidence to aid the ongoing investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh