Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, July 9: Jammu Central Cooperative Bank Branch Rajouri caught fire late last night resulting into the bank record and some cash reducing to ashes.
The incident took place In the midnight hours between Monday and Tuesday when an apparent electric short circuit triggered devastating fire at the bank branch, located in the main market of Rajouri Old City. The fire resulted in the complete destruction of all bank records, cash and other valuables stored within the premises.
Noticing the flames and smoke emanating from the bank branch, situated on second floor of the building, locals and a Police party rushed to the spot and immediately called Fire Brigade to control the blazes.
Despite the challenging conditions, including the narrow lanes of the main market which hindered the access of large fire fighting vehicles, the fire brigade under the leadership of Station In-Charge Maqbool Rana managed to navigate a smaller vehicle to the site. The firefighters worked tirelessly for approximately two hours to bring the blaze under control.
Branch head Anil Kumar Bakshi reported that a cash amount of Rs 4,70,000, stored in the branch locker due to a damaged treasury locker, was completely destroyed in the fire. Additionally, all records, cupboards, and other valuable items were reduced to ashes.
The timely and coordinated efforts of the police and fire brigade not only prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent shops but also averted what could have been a catastrophic event for the entire market area.