'Is this how you drive “Bhoi” out?' asks Abhishek after Khejuri fire ravages nearly 60 shops

Around 50 to 60 temporary shops were destroyed in a massive fire that broke out late Saturday night in Khejuri near the seaside picnic area adjacent to Hijli Masnad-e-Ala. The fire reportedly started around 11 PM and spread rapidly due to strong sea winds, engulfing one shop after another and creating panic in the area. Local residents initially tried to control the flames before fire brigade personnel arrived and brought the blaze under control after extensive efforts. No casualties were reported in the incident.

According to local and police sources, the fire broke out in temporary stalls located near the beach area. Preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit. Police have started an investigation into the incident and are examining the exact cause of the fire. The incident caused extensive damage, reducing rows of shops to ashes overnight.

The incident soon triggered a political controversy after Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged through a post on X that BJP-backed miscreants were responsible for the fire. In his statement, Abhishek described the incident as “barbaric” and claimed that more than 60 shops had been torched. He wrote that Hindu-owned and Muslim-owned shops were both affected and alleged that the incident was “a calculated assault on Bengal’s social harmony, democratic fabric and the ordinary citizens who simply want to live in peace.” He also demanded that those responsible be identified and punished at the earliest.

On Sunday morning, Khejuri BJP MLA Subrata Paik visited the affected area and inspected the damage. Rejecting Abhishek Banerjee’s allegations, he stated that preliminary information suggested the fire broke out because of a short circuit. He said the BJP did not engage in such activities and added that the party had requested police to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against anyone found involved, irrespective of political affiliation. The incident created tension in the locality, while police continued monitoring the situation.