North 24 Paragnas, 30 December (H.S.): A massive fire broke out late Monday night at Yadubabu market near Birati station in North 24 Parganas district, completely destroying over 200 shops and leaving hundreds of small traders penniless overnight. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Traders have demanded a full and impartial investigation into the incident.

According to local residents, flames suddenly erupted from the market on Monday night. By the time traders were alerted, the fire had already spread rapidly, engulfing almost the entire market. All the shops in the market had tin roofs and lacked any fire safety measures. This allowed the fire to spread quickly, consuming the entire market in a short time.

Nupur Chakraborty, a trader who ran an electrical goods shop in the market, said,

“I received a phone call at night. I was told to come immediately, that everything was gone. There were about 200 shops, I also had an electrical shop, everything is burnt.”

Another trader broke down in tears upon seeing his burnt shop. He said in a distressed voice,

“This has become a crematorium. Everything was destroyed before my eyes.”

On information, a fire brigade team rushed to the spot. Seven fire engines worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. However, despite the prompt response of the firefighters, the market was completely destroyed by then.

North Dumdum Municipality Chairman Bidhan Biswas also reached the scene, accompanied by several councillors. Seeing the plight of the affected traders, he assured them of his support. Bidhan Biswas said,

“This market falls under the municipal area. We are with the traders. They will be provided with all possible assistance, and efforts will be made for their rehabilitation.”

He also demanded a detailed investigation into the entire matter.

The massive fire has created an atmosphere of anger and resentment in the area. The affected traders are now demanding financial assistance and speedy rehabilitation from the administration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey