Kolkata: Fire near Dumdum Park brought under control, 1 killed

According to reports, the fire was first noticed around 6:30 pm and as many as 12 fire tender engines rushed to the spot.

After evacuating the area, firefighters and local youths started fighting with the massive fire.

After few LPG gas cylinder explosions, the fire spread quickly and gutted over 80 shanties completely.

One local dweller- Lakshmikanta Gayen (70)- was killed in the accident. The fire left six others injured, who have been admitted to a local hospital.

West Bengal Labour Minister Purnendu Basu, Bidhannagar Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta and local MLA Sujit Basu went to the spot and led the firefighting operation.

The major fire was brought under control after nearly one hour when a huge number of shanties were burnt and over 300 families became homeless.

Few locals alleged that the accident was pre-planned and the outcome of ruling party's group-tussle.

Denying the allegation of a sabotage, Bidhannagar Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta told IBNS, "It was an accident. Fire department is investigating to know the exact reason behind the fire. Arranging temporary shelters and food for the homeless people is my primary responsibility. Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation will defray the costs for their food, accommodation and treatment."

However, one fire official told IBNS, "As the lanes are very narrow here, our engines were troubled while entering into the area. Our 12 fire tender engines along with portable pumps came here and controlled the blaze. We refilled our tanks by pumping water from a canal nearby. We have started investigation into the matter to know the exact reason of the fire."  

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image: IBNS)