Kolkata, 08 April (H.S.): Several shops were gutted in a major fire that broke out in the Rajarhat area on the outskirts of Kolkata late Tuesday night, officials said.

The incident occurred in the Raigachi Chhotopol area, where the fire reportedly started from a heap of garbage and quickly spread to nearby shops.

According to local sources, around 10 to 12 shops were affected, triggering panic in the locality.

Three fire tenders were pressed into service, and after prolonged efforts, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. The lolice from Rajarhat police station also reached the spot and assessed the situation.

Trinamool Congress candidate from the Rajarhat-New Town Assembly constituency Tapas Chatterjee visited the site late at night and took stock of the situation.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials added.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey