Bhubaneswar: In a tragic turn of events, two separate fire incidents caused widespread damage in rural areas. In Badagocha village under Sorada police station limits in Ganjam district, a massive blaze erupted in the Harijan Sahi area late Thursday night.
At least 20 houses were completely gutted, reducing property worth lakhs of rupees to ashes. Locals made frantic efforts to douse the flames but failed. The fire brigade eventually arrived and brought the situation under control. Fire brigade suspect a short circuit as the likely cause, though investigations are underway to confirm the exact cause.
Meanwhile, in Uberai village under Gobindpur police station in Cuttack district, a youth allegedly set fire to his neighbor’s house due to long-standing enmity. The accused, identified as Raju Patra, reportedly torched the property of Gagan Bihari Patra late Thursday night.
The fire destroyed paddy stocks, rice, two motorcycles, and a bicycle, inflicting heavy losses. Police have detained Raju Patra for interrogation.
