Kolkata, 21 March (H.S.): A night guard was killed after a portion of the roof of the historic Netaji Purabazar market collapsed during a severe storm accompanied by heavy rain in Malda district on Saturday morning, officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Montu Sarkar, who was on duty at the time of the incident.

In the same incident, Deep Sardar, a sanitation worker of the English Bazar Municipality, sustained serious injuries. Following the incident, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and, with the help of an excavator, carried out a lengthy rescue operation to clear the debris and recover the body.

Netaji Purabazar, considered one of the oldest and busiest markets in Malda, was reportedly in a dilapidated condition for a long time due to lack of maintenance. Local traders alleged that they had repeatedly appealed to the authorities for renovation and reconstruction of the market, but no concrete steps were taken.

The incident, which occurred on the morning of Eid, has triggered grief among traders and local residents. Allegations of negligence have also been raised against the Trinamool Congress-run civic body, with traders expressing strong resentment over the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh