150 shops gutted in Jalpaiguri mkt fire

At least 150 shops, including six selling firecrackers, were gutted in a blaze that razed through the oldest market in Jalpaiguri. However, no casualty has been reported. The fire that broke out around 11.30pm at Deen Bazaar complex, the main market in the district.

Thirteen fire tenders were pressed into service. The fire could be doused only around 5am, a fire brigade official said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said. As the fire spread to the shops selling firecrackers, it produced deafening sound and smoke.

Former Chairman of Jalpaiguri municipality Mohan Bose said that shops allegedly illegally stockpiling white spirit, used in paints, were also gutted.

The extent of damage is yet to be ascertained. Jalpaiguri district magistrate Pritha Sarkar said she had heard from the police that illegal crackers were stockpiled in the market complex.

"Exemplary punishment will be given to those whose guilt in the inident is proved," she said. North Bengal Development minister Goutam Deb visited the affected area during the day and met top government and fire brigade officials besides trade bodies.

Jalpaiguri MP Bijoy Chandra and Mohon Bose participated in the meeting.

Deb said relief worth Rs 10 lakh would be given by Siliguri-Jalpaiguri Development Authority to the effected in the next two days.