States » EastPosted at: Nov 7 2026 10:29PM


Bengal: East Midnapore pandal goes up in flames hours before Kali Puja inauguration

Midnapore, Nov 7 (UNI) A Kali Puja pandal was reduced to ashes in a fire at Kalibazar in Jashora, under Panskura police station in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, on Saturday afternoon, just hours before its scheduled inauguration.
The blaze broke out around 5 pm when artisans were putting the finishing touches to the pandal organised by the Kalibazar Byabsayi Samiti. The fire rapidly engulfed the entire structure, destroying the elaborate theme-based decorations within minutes and leaving the organisers staring at the remains of their festive preparations.
Thick plumes of smoke billowing over the neighbourhood triggered panic among residents, who rushed to the spot and joined efforts to contain the blaze. Locals formed bucket brigades and drew water from nearby sources to fight the flames before fire tenders arrived from Tamluk.
Personnel from Panskura police station also reached the spot to control the gathering crowd and assist in the firefighting operation. Their prompt intervention, along with the efforts of locals, prevented the flames from spreading to neighbouring shops and residential buildings.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Police are investigating whether an electrical short circuit, an accidental spark or some other factor triggered the blaze.
"Our team reached the spot immediately after receiving the information. A thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire," the officer-in-charge of Panskura police station said.
The incident came as a major setback for the organisers, who had been preparing for the inauguration of the pandal on the eve of Kali Puja. UNI BG NST
Tags: #Bengal: East Midnapore pandal goes up in flames hours before Kali Puja inauguration
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