At least 70 shanties were gutted in a major fire at Kaliakapur on the E. M. Bypass in the eastern part of the city this evening, creating panic among the locals.
Fifteen fire tenders are fighting the blaze at present, which is spreading fast fanned by strong wind, fire brigade officials said.
The state's disaster management minister, Javed Khan, said that there was no report of any casualty or injury as yet. Power was disconnected in the entire slum area and adjacent places as the residents came out of their shelters in panic.
Meanwhile, the local people have joined hands with the fire brigade personnel and the police to bring the situation under control. The minister said that the affected people were provided with temporary shelters, food and clothes.