Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Mar 9: A coconut oil mill was completely destroyed in a fire that broke out in the wee hours of Sunday, March 9 at Bombil, located on the Bantwal-Beltangady National Highway.

The I-Grow Incorp coconut mill owned by Jayaram Gowda, a resident of Bombil in Kaavalapadooru village, was operating under the name 'I Grow Incorp.' The fire reportedly started around 1 AM on Sunday.

Jayaram, whose house is located near the mill, immediately noticed the fire and alerted locals and the fire department. The Bantwal Fire Brigade arrived promptly and attempted to douse the flames, but the mill was already reduced to ashes.

Approximately 12 tons of coconut oil, raw coconuts, and machinery were completely destroyed in the fire. The estimated loss is around Rs 3 crore.

Jayaram suspects that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire.

A complaint has been filed with the Bantwal Rural police station, and further investigations are underway.