Property worth lakhs of rupees was gutted in a fire that broke out in two camps of Sadhus in the Simhastha area on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, the fire started at the Barnagar Road situated Bara Udasin Akhara and spread in the nearby camp of Niranjani Akhara. Some fault in electric equipment is stated to be the reason behind the mishap.
Valuables like silver utensils and palkis, tent articles and cash totaling over Rs ten lakh are estimated to be destroyed in the fire.
Mahamandleshwar Harioam Sharan of the Niranjani Akhara said he was sitting inside the Parav when the fire broke out apparently due to some fault in electric wiring.
Fire brigades rushed within five minutes of the incident and took an hour to douse the fire. Collector Rajesh Rajora ordered a magisterial enquiry into the mishap. Sector magistrate BL Kasat will hold the enquiry.
The Collector furthered directed the MPSEB officials to give electric connections to pandals only after ensuring proper safety norms. It may be noted that 63 fire incidents had occurred during the last Simhastha in 1992.