A massive fire broke out near the Shalimar GRP police station in Howrah in early morning on Thursday, triggering panic across the locality. Several shops located close to the police station were engulfed by the flames, while multiple parked vehicles were completely gutted in the incident.
Eyewitnesses said smoke was first noticed rising from the area adjacent to the GRP police station, following which the fire spread rapidly. The intensity of the blaze left shopkeepers and residents scrambling as flames quickly consumed commercial establishments and nearby vehicles.
Fire engines were rushed to the spot after the incident was reported, while local residents initially attempted to douse the flames. Although no casualties have been officially reported so far, the fire is feared to have caused extensive damage to property in the area.