Maldah, 22 April (HS). Around 20 houses were burnt to ashes due to the horrific fire. In this incident, the furniture, gold and cash kept in the house were all burnt to ashes. The incident took place on Monday in Hathichhapa Mamu Mod area of Harishchandrapur 2 block under Malda district. People affected by this incident have been forced to live under the open sky.
According to sources, the fire spread from a kitchen. Due to the wind coming from the river, the fire spread rapidly and one by one 20 houses in the area were completely burnt to ashes. The intensity of the fire was so high that even essential items including furniture and grains could not be taken out of the house. Tulsihata fire department was informed. Local residents tried to extinguish the fire even before the firefighters reached the spot. Later, when the fire engine arrived, local residents also helped and the fire was brought under control in about two hours.
However, by the time the fire was extinguished, most of the houses in the area were burnt to ashes. It is estimated that there has been a loss of around Rs 20-25 lakh due to the fire. Most of the family members in that village work as labourers. Most of the men and women of the area work abroad.
After receiving the news of the incident, Minister Tajmul Hussain and BDO Tapas Pal reached the spot. The Minister and BDO interacted with the affected families to inquire about their well being and assured all possible help.