Dhenkanal: Around 50 houses of Kandarasinga village under Kamakhyanagar block in the district were reduced to ashes in separate fire mishaps that have occurred at regular interval for last ten days.
Though the reason behind fire mishaps is yet to be established, villagers believe that goddess is angry upon them for some reason for which such incidents are happening.
With no way out, the residents have ultimately resorted to special 'Puja and Homa' to appease their village goddess.
"We suspect that the fire breaks out at regular intervals due to anger of goddess. So, special worships are being conducted to appease her," said Dillip Behera, a local resident.
Many of the villagers were rendered homeless as their houses were destroyed in the fire. They alleged that relief is yet to reach them for which they are staying under polythene sheets since last week.
"We are taking shelter under polythene sheet and waiting for assistance from district administration. Many officials have visited the village and gave only assurance," Behera added.
Another victim Basanti Behera shared similar plight. "We have no food or water as we are now staying under open sky, " she said.
Meanwhile, local MLA and State Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick visited the area and took stock of the situation.
"I will personally provide some relief to the fire affected people. They will also get assistance from government as per guidelines," said Mallick denying the reports of any supernatural power behind the mishaps.
"Investigation is on to ascertain the reason of fire. Assumption of viilagers that such incidents are occurring due to anger of goddess is just a superstition", Mallick added.