Massive fire guts over a dozen shops in Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Nov 20: A major fire broke out late Wednesday night at the Sidhgora vegetable market , reducing more than a dozen shops to ashes. The blaze, which erupted suddenly, triggered chaos as shopkeepers rushed to the spot and attempted to control the flames with buckets of water, but their efforts failed.

The fire caused an estimated loss of nearly Rs 30 lakh, officials said.

Among the worst affected was a woman shopkeeper who lost her entire stall and stood helplessly watching it burn. Several other vendors reported similar devastation.

Police and the fire department were alerted immediately. A fire engine reached the spot and managed to bring the flames under control, but only after extensive damage had already been done.

According to traders, had the fire not been contained in time, hundreds of shops in the dense market area could have been engulfed.

Shops belonging to Ajit Chandra and Raju Rao—both vegetable traders—were completely destroyed. A large grocery shop owned by Dina Prasad also turned to rubble, along with two sizeable storage units.

This is not the first incident of fire in Sidhgora market. A major blaze had also been reported here in 2019.

Shopkeepers allege that miscreants may have been behind the latest fire as well, though police have not confirmed this.

Investigators will examine CCTV footage to determine whether the incident was accidental or a deliberate act.

However, a short circuit is also being considered a possible cause.

Vendors have demanded a thorough investigation, urging authorities to ensure better safety measures in the congested market area.

Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Nov 20: A massive fire broke out in Sidhgora Market around midnight on Wednesday, reducing more than half a dozen shops and warehouses to ashes. The sudden blaze triggered panic across the area, leaving traders with significant financial losses.

On Thursday morning, MLA Purnima Sahu visited the site to assess the damage and meet the affected traders. Offering them reassurance, she said, “I stand firmly with all the affected shopkeepers in this difficult time. Every possible assistance will be provided to ensure they recover from this tragedy.”

Sahu also interacted with administrative officials present at the spot and directed them to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. She stressed the need to expedite relief and restoration efforts.

The MLA further instructed authorities to take strict action against anti-social activities in and around the market area and increase regular patrolling to prevent such incidents in the future.

Local traders expressed deep concern over the losses and urged the administration to provide immediate support to restore their businesses.