3 shops gutted in fire at Charan Paduka

A fire-fighter dousing flames to control fire at shops in Charan Paduka area of Katra. - Excelsior/Romesh Mengi
A fire-fighter dousing flames to control fire at shops in Charan Paduka area of Katra. - Excelsior/Romesh Mengi

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 18: Amid complete shutdown in Katra, some shops at Charan Paduka area were gutted apparently due to accidental fire, here today.
Even as firefighters swiftly responded to the situation and managed to douse the flames preventing the fire from spreading further, three shops were completely gutted.
Fortunately, no casualty or injuries to anyone have been reported. As the incident occurred during the shutdown, observed on the call given by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti against the proposed ropeway project, all shops in the area were closed.
An electric short-circuit is believed to be the cause of the fire while Police have taken cognizance of the matter and started further investigation. Exact loss of property and goods in the fire is being ascertained.