Probe begins into Cuttack showroom fire mishap

Cuttack: A three-member team led by Chief Fire Officer on Monday started an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the fire mishap in a garment showroom in Cuttack on Sunday even though the mall authorities refuting any kind of violation as far as fire safety compliance was concerned.

"The showroom did not have any fire safety equipment nor it obtained certificate from the concerned authorities. There was no building approval from the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA). Investigation is in progress. A case will be registered against the showroom authorities once the probe is completed," said Chief Fire Officer Sukant Sethi.

The area manager of City Style, Manas Purohit, said that the showroom adhered to fire safety norms.

"We have complied with the fire safety norms and have building approval and a certificate from the concerned authorities. The showroom was also equipped with fire safety equipment including hose reel, fire extinguishers and adequate water tanks," said Purohit.

Though the exact reason is still unclear, it is suspected that electric short-circuit caused the fire in the showroom.

"Primarily, we suspected that property worth around Rs 2 crore has been destroyed in the fire accident," Purohit informed.

DG (Fire Services) Bijay Kumar Sharma had earlier ordered a probe after the fire mishap yesterday.

The showroom officials informed that as soon as the fire alarm sounded, the sales staff used the in-house equipment to douse the flame. However, the intensity of the blaze was so high that they could not control it, Purohit added.