Fire fighters extinguishing the fire in a pile of tyres. (Awakening)
Jagran correspondent, Jamshedpur. Just before the proposed visit of President Draupadi Murmu on Monday, the security arrangements were left breathless late on Sunday night when suddenly flames started rising on the route through which he was passing.
A massive fire broke out in a pile of tires kept near Jugsalai railway gate. Since His Majesty's convoy is going to Karandih via this route on Monday, the fire department immediately reached the spot and controlled the fire after about two hours of hard work. It is a matter of relief that there were no casualties in the accident.
Panic due to flames late at night
On Sunday night, when the city was busy preparing to welcome the President, dense smoke and high flames were seen near the Jugsalai railway gate. Within no time the fire took a huge form. Due to this area being densely populated and adjacent to the railway line, there was panic among the people.
Local people immediately informed the police and fire brigade. Since the matter was related to VVIP security, the administrative staff immediately came into action.
Removal of encroachment became the reason
According to preliminary information, the administration had recently removed shops from the footpath in view of security. It is being told that the shopkeepers had kept the old goods and tires of their shops in the area adjacent to the railway line. These tires caught fire under suspicious circumstances on Sunday night. Due to the tyres, the fire flared up so much that the fire brigade personnel had to struggle to extinguish it.
His Majesty will pass through this route
This incident has increased the concern of the police administration. On Monday, President Draupadi Murmu has to go to Karandih (Disom Jaherthan) via the same route from Sonari Airport. Security agencies are not taking the incident of arson on the route just before the VVIP movement lightly.
Although the real cause of the fire is not yet known, it is being seen from both safety lapse and negligence perspective. After the incident, security has been tightened in the area. The police team is investigating whether it was just an accident or some mischief behind it.
Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to keep vigil on the entire route with 'zero tolerance' till the President passes. At present, the road has been cleared and police force has been deployed.