Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 2: Goods stored inside three shops located in a commercial complex at Yedthoorpadavu in Irvathur village in the taluk were burnt into ashes in the wee hours on Tuesday December 1. No one is aware how and when the fire started. The incident came to light when Balakrishna Shetty, who owns the complex and has a provision store there, came on Tuesday morning to open the shop.

In addition to the provision store of Balakrishna Shetty housed in his 'Ananya Complex', a bakery and another shop were gutted. The tragedy occurred after Monday midnight, it is learnt.

Cereals, provisions, rice, coconut, oil and other items inside the provision store were completely burnt down in this tragedy. Eatables, cold drinks, wooden showcase, cold storage, table, cuhsion chairs, fan and other electrical gadgets and appliances inside the neighbouring bakery were also turned into ashes. The concrete roof of the complex was found to have developed crack.

Loss of Rs 12 lac has been estimated. Village accountant, Kumar, visited the spot and assessed the loss. A report thereof was filed in Punjalakatte police station.