Kolkata, Dec 30 || Around 200 shops in Birati's Jadu Babu's market in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district were gutted in a fire that broke out in the early hours of Tuesday.
The shops were reduced to ashes, and the goods and assets inside perished, leaving the owners and workers in shock. Preliminary reports said there were no reports of casualties.
The famous market is located adjacent to Birati railway station and frequented by locals and passengers.
Sources said the devastating fire broke out around 1.30 a.m., which spread rapidly within moments due to strong winds blowing from the north.
Seven fire engines were pressed into service. However, strong winds made it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Locals said that by the time the fire brigade reached the spot, the shops were completely destroyed.
Even on Tuesday morning, the situation was not completely under control. Firefighters reported that although the source of the fire had been extinguished, smoke was still rising and pockets of fire were still visible in the market.