Jaipur, Sep 17 (IANS) A massive fire broke out at around 7 a.m. on Thursday at Sethi Complex Manihari Katla, also known as Purohit Ji Ka Katla, in Jaipur’s Tripolia Bazaar in Rajasthan. More than 20 shops and warehouses were reportedly affected by the blaze, including clothing warehouses, plastic goods shops and bangle stores.
According to initial information, the fire started in goods stored in cartons outside a clothing shop on the second floor.
The flames and thick smoke were visible from Subhash Chowk towards Chandpole. The Manak Chowk police station is located close to the site. Police personnel noticed the smoke, rushed to the spot, and alerted the fire department. Around 8 a.m., five fire tenders reached the area and began firefighting operations.
Firefighters were facing difficulties in controlling the blaze in the shops and warehouses on the second floor.
The narrow space and the presence of flammable materials inside the shops are making firefighting operations challenging.
Meanwhile, shopkeepers have started moving their goods to safer locations. Some traders were also seen attempting to control the flames using buckets of water.
A large number of traders and onlookers gathered at the spot. Traders have raised questions about a restaurant reportedly operating above the floor where the fire broke out. They allege that the restaurant is being operated illegally.
According to the traders, a fire had also broken out on the rooftop during Makar Sankranti, which they claim was linked to the same restaurant. They said a complaint had subsequently been lodged at the Manak Chowk police station.
Traders have also claimed that the building developer has obtained a Fire NOC from the fire department but alleged that the firefighting equipment installed at the site was not functioning properly.
These claims have not yet been independently verified. The effectiveness of the building’s fire safety arrangements will become clearer as authorities assess the site.
The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are yet to be determined. Firefighting and containment operations are currently underway.
–IANS
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