Ex-MC peon killed in mystery fire

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

About 65-year-old retired peon of the local Municipal Corporation died after a fire broke out at her house at EWS Colony in Sector 40 early in the morning today. The cause of the fire could not be established.

Identified as Raj Kaur, the victim was putting up alone at her house. Neighbours saw smoke billowing out of her house and raised the alarm.

Firemen said when they reached the house, they found the woman lying on the side of a bed which was engulfed in fire. She was taken to a local hospital where she was declared dead on arrival. She suffered around 65 per cent burns.

According to fire officials, they received a call at 5:54 am. A fire engine reached the spot within a few minutes. Two fire engines were pressed into service, one each from Sector 17 and Sector 35.

Her daughter Babli, who lives in the same colony, told the firemen that a bed, a dressing table, a ceiling fan and an AC were destroyed in the fire. “The cause of fire is unknown as of now. The police are investigating the matter,” said a fireman.

The deceased’s relatives said it could be possible that the sacred flame lit at the place of worship caused the fire. Her husband died many years ago and she worked at the corporation in his place. Her son works out of the city while her three daughters are married.