Devastating Fire at Khidirpur Market: Over 1,300 Shops Destroyed
In a tragic incident that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, a massive fire engulfed the Khidirpur market in Kolkata, leading to the destruction of approximately 1,300 shops. The fire broke out around 2 AM, and despite the swift notification to the fire department, it took nearly three hours for firefighters to arrive on the scene, exacerbating the situation. Local residents and shopkeepers expressed their outrage towards Fire Minister Sujit Basu during his visit to assess the damage, highlighting the delays and inadequate response from the fire services.Witnesses reported that only two fire engines initially responded, and they arrived without sufficient water, allowing the flames to spread rapidly. While local councilors estimated that around 400 shops were lost, business owners claimed the actual number was much higher. minister Basu defended the response time, stating that it was within the expected limits, and assured residents that measures were being taken to prevent further spread of the fire. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties, but the financial impact on the shopkeepers is devastating. Many are left without insurance and are uncertain about how to recover from this catastrophic loss, voicing their despair over their uncertain futures.
