Agartala: A sudden fire broke out from an electric short circuit in a Durga puja pandal at Ujan Abhoynagar in the city on Wednesday noon, reducing the entire preparation to ashes.
However, no casualty was reported and two fire engines were pressed into action to control the high flame in a densely populated area on Old Motor stand to GB Hospital Road.
According to the police, when artists were working inside the pandal, somehow an electric connection sparked into fire from the low-tension power line in front of the puja pandal of Blood Sun Club, and fire engulfed the pandal within a few minutes.
Around 12 workers were working inside the pandal for decoration and putting the finishing touches on the Durga idol when the accident happened. They all ran out safely without any injury, but all the decorations, idols, and lighting materials were burned down completely.
The fire also affected the clubhouse and two nearby shops, but not much, police stated.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and MLA of the locality, Congress leader Sudip Roybarman, expressed grief over the incident and advised all the puja organisers to be extra vigilant on fire and other man-made disasters during the puja days.
Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) has ordered an inquiry into the accident.
The club officials, however, assured that they would not step back from offering puja to Devi Durga, scheduled to begin on Friday evening.
