Reporter :

 

A devastating fire broke out at Mahakal Automobile Shop located on Jail Road in the State capital during the early hours of Friday. The inferno, which spread within minutes, completely destroyed seven cars parked for repairs. Preliminary estimates suggest a financial loss exceeding Rs 35 lakh. Fire tenders rushed to the spot immediately upon receiving information, but the vehicles and expensive shop inventory had already been charred. Blaze erupted at 5:30 am: The incident occurred around 5:30 am at the workshop situated near Truba College. While the vicinity was deserted at that hour, the flames were so intense that a thick plume of smoke was visible from a distance. Firefighting units from Gandhinagar, Chhola, and Bairagarh stations reached the site and managed to douse the flames after a rigorous operation.

 

Customer vehicles destroyed: According to shop owner Siddharth Mishra, five cars were parked inside the workshop and two were stationed outside at the time of the incident. All the seven vehicles belonged to customers and were brought in for servicing and repairs. Along with the cars, high-value auto parts, spare components and modern diagnostic tools were entirely destroyed, resulting in a heavy financial blow to both the owner and the clients. Owner suspects foul play over short circuit: Siddharth Mishra has expressed suspicion of a conspiracy behind the incident. He stated that a high-quality electrical system was installed just six months ago, making a short circuit highly unlikely. The fire also consumed the shop’s CCTV cameras and the DVR (Digital Video Recorder), destroying any potential footage of the incident.

 

Nishatpura Police Station In-charge (TI) Manoj Patwa said, “The police team reached the spot as soon as the information was received. We are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Since the shop owner has expressed suspicion of arson, we are scanning CCTV footage from neighbouring establishments. If any mischief or conspiracy is detected, strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.”