Three kiosks gutted by fire at Nurpur

Our Correspondent

Nurpur, May 21

A fire suddenly broke out and gutted three structures and vending items worth lakhs of rupees at Chogan bazaar on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway late last night.

The fire was first noticed by a local resident at 10 pm who intimated the police, which further informed the fire-brigade station officials.

Kiosk owners Jeevan, Kuldeep and Kuljeet, however, reported no foul play. Electric short-circuit is being suspected to be the cause of fire.

Tension prevailed on the spot, when a few persons protested the late arrival of the fire tender. They allegedly obstructed the fire brigade personnel and quarrelled with them before they started with the fire dousing operation.

According to DSP, Nurpur, Kuldeep Kumar, a case under Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code was registered against Praveen and Sahil residents of ward number one of the town and Vicky from Jassur for allegedly obstructing government servants from discharging their duty.

He said it was the police which intimated the fire brigade station and none from the public called the fire tenders immediately after noticing the fire.

Meanwhile, the local administration directed the Revenue Department’s field staff to assess the loss of victims so that compensatory relief could be given to them.