Post-midnight blaze guts 700 shops in Kidderpore market
Times of India | 17 June 2025
Kolkata: A devastating fire in the early hours of Monday raged through one of south Kolkata's most congested wholesale markets, leaving at least three-fourths of the 150-year-old Orphanganj Market — located within Kidderpore Market on Orphanganj Road — in tatters. The fire affected around 700 shops and triggered panic among local traders. Although no lives were lost, at least one person was injured after a blast took place inside one of the shops.Locals claimed the fire broke out shortly after 1 am. The fire department reported receiving a call around 1.54 am. Twenty-two fire tenders, along with the disaster management group, took over seven hours to bring the fire under control. However, flames were spotted in some pockets even when chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited the spot in the evening.The presence of highly flammable materials such as gunny sacks, oil, and butter in nearby godowns intensified the flames, which reportedly spread rapidly from the top floors downward. The narrow, congested layout of the market hampered firefighting efforts. Fire engines used around nine pumps to draw water from the Adi Ganga canal, but they had to abandon the plan during low tide. They had to arrange for alternative methods.Prima facie, it is believed that a short-circuit led to the fire but the traders want the police to investigate the possibility of sabotage. A forensic team is expected to visit the spot for investigation. "Incidentally, most traders stay here all six days but leave on Sunday after a half day and return on Monday. The fact that this fire took place post-midnight on such a day raises questions," claimed one trader.The local trading body claimed that no fewer than 1,300 traders have been affected, with losses ranging from a couple of lakhs to even Rs 1.5 crore each. "Viraat khati (huge loss)," said a visibly distressed trader, pointing to charred tin sheds and burnt goods. "Everything is gone. My entire shop, my goods — all reduced to rubble. I don't know how I'll start again," said Ramesh Barui, standing amidst the ruins of what was once a thriving business.Local traders alleged that the fire tenders arrived late. "We kept calling, but it took them nearly an hour and a half to reach the spot. Even after arriving late, the fire engines did not have water to douse the fire," claimed Pawan Kumar, a local trader. Locals also staged a protest when fire minister Sujit Bose reached the site.Bose refuted the allegations. "It takes some time for even one car to arrive. Fire trucks have come from Watgunge and Garden Reach." Mayor Firhad Hakim also visited the spot before leaving for Tehatta on some official work.