A devastating fire swept through Balijuri in Sootea on Monday, December 16 morning, leaving nine commercial establishments completely destroyed.
The blaze, which broke out suddenly, engulfed a jewelry shop, a hotel, a bicycle store, and other businesses, causing property losses estimated at several lakhs of rupees.
The situation worsened when multiple gas cylinders stored in the hotel exploded, intensifying the fire and making it harder to control.
Preliminary suspicions point to an electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire, according to local residents.
Despite some delay, fire services arrived at the scene and managed to bring the inferno under control, preventing further damage.
Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause, and investigations are underway to assess the extent of the destruction.
Also read: Assam: MLA Siddique Ahmed alleges conspiracy over missing name in Panchayat voter list