Imphal: A fire broke out early Thursday morning, reducing a grocery shop to cinders and destroying property worth lakhs of rupees in Manipur’s Imphal East district.
Cash worth around Rs 1 lakh in different denominations was also destroyed, officials reported.
The shop, belonging to Thoudam Joychandra, also known as Naocha Meitei, 46, a resident of Phaknung Mayai Leikai under Lamlai police station, was engulfed in flames around 3 am, according to fire service sources.
Preliminary reports stated that the properties, including groceries and other stock, were completely destroyed.
Upon receiving the emergency report, a team of firefighters from the Imphal East district fire services, along with a water bowser, fire-fighting equipment, and two fire tenders, rushed to the spot and doused the fire after evacuating nearby residents to safety.
Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant damage, consuming the entire structure of the shop. Adjoining shops and houses were saved from major damage.
Officials said a short circuit may have caused the fire. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
A thorough assessment of the damages is expected to be conducted by Friday.