NEW DELHI: Around 35 to 40 shops were completely gutted after a massive fire broke out at Shiv Market, opposite Jammu Railway Station, in the early hours of Monday. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, while fire and emergency services teams were working to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown.BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the fire reportedly began due to a short circuit in one shop before spreading rapidly to adjoining establishments. Shiv Market is a major commercial hub with shops selling dry fruits and blankets, as well as eateries and dhabas.“The fire started with a short circuit in one shop and spread rapidly, engulfing surrounding shops. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the entire market had been consumed by the flames. In my estimation, about 35 to 40 shops have been completely gutted,” Randhawa said.Describing the firefighting efforts, the MLA said the blaze had engulfed the entire market by the time the situation could be brought under control. He added that police personnel and senior officers were actively involved in managing the situation.“As it kept growing, by the time the whole system came under control, it had already engulfed the entire market. Right now, our police are completely alert and actively controlling the situation. You can see that from the SHO to our SP, everyone is personally involved, even holding and dragging pipes all the way to the shops,” Randhawa said.A shopkeeper said at least 25 to 30 shops had suffered total losses and urged the administration to provide compensation to those affected.
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“The entire market has been reduced to ashes. At least 25 to 30 shops are a total loss. We pray to God to grant everyone the strength to cope with this — the loss is immense, a total loss. I also urge the administration to step in as quickly as possible and ensure that compensation is provided without delay,” the shopkeeper said.Randhawa said the full extent of the damage could be assessed only after the situation was completely under control. He said shopkeepers were cooperating with the administration, with the deputy commissioner, SP South, DSP, SHO and their teams present at the site. Members of civil society were also helping with relief efforts.On compensation for affected shopkeepers, Randhawa said the matter would be discussed with the administration later, describing the damage as massive.