Patna: A major fire broke out on Saturday morning at the office of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Kiran Kumari, located inside the fort complex in Bihar’s Munger district. Several important case files, legal documents and old records were reportedly destroyed in the blaze.
According to court staff, the fire broke out at around 9:50 a.m., shortly before the court was scheduled to open.
As no employees or officials were inside the office at the time, no casualties were reported.
The fire department was alerted immediately, following which two fire tenders reached the spot.
Firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour before bringing the situation completely under control.
The incident created panic in the court complex, with a large number of court employees, police personnel and lawyers gathering at the spot after news of the fire spread.
Preliminary information reveals that a short circuit may have triggered the fire.
However, officials are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the exact cause.
The court administration has begun assessing the extent of the damage and is preparing a detailed inventory of the files and documents destroyed in the fire.
A technical inspection of the electrical wiring and cables is also being carried out.
They are examining wiring and cables in the entire court premises to prevent such an incident of fire in other courtrooms, judicial hall, judges’ chambers, cafeteria, and other important locations inside the court premises in future.
Authorities are examining other possible causes and identifying people who were present in or around the area when the incident occurred.
While no loss of life has been reported, the destruction of court records has raised concerns over the preservation and possible reconstruction of important case-related documents.
Due to the incident, the hearing cases listed today have been postponed, and the next date is expected to be announced soon.
(IANS)
