10 houses gutted during eviction drive in Puri

Puri: Around 10 houses were up in flames at Baliapanda here when fire broke out in a slum during an eviction drive carried out by the district administration today.

A fire brigade team rushed to the spot and doused the flame. It is suspected that some miscreants set fire to the houses while the district administration was undertaking the demolition drive in the slum.

Meanwhile, one platoon police force was deployed to avoid any untoward situation in the area. An investigation into the incident will be conducted and action taken against the persons found guilty, said police.

It may be mentioned that the eviction was conducted for development of a park in the locality.