A severe fire triggered by a suspected short circuit completely destroyed a grocery shop early this morning near the Sampur Wildlife Gate junction under the Harabhanga Police limits in Boudh district.
The blaze resulted in the loss of cash and store inventory estimated at around Rs 3 lakh.
According to local sources, the incident occurred at the grocery shop owned by Kartik Sahu, located at the Sampur Gate junction within the Kusanga Range of the Mahanadi Wildlife Division. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning and rapidly spread throughout the entire premises before anyone could fully intervene.
Noticing the flames engulfing the structure, local residents immediately rushed to the scene and attempted to douse the blaze using available resources. As the fire spiralled out of control, they contacted the Harbhanga Fire Brigade for emergency assistance.
Before the official fire services unit could arrive at the spot, a water tanker belonging to the ARSS contracting company reached the site and managed to bring the flames under control. However, by the time the fire was completely extinguished, the structure, along with cash and merchandise valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh, was reduced to ashes.
Upon being informed of the disaster, Harbhanga Tehsildar Karna Suna acted swiftly and directed Ganeswar Bhokta, the Revenue Inspector of Chhatrang, to conduct an immediate spot inspection and assess the extent of the damage. Reports confirm that the Revenue Inspector visited the site, conducted a thorough evaluation, and submitted an official report to higher authorities for further administrative relief.
