Cash room catches fire in Katihar's building construction department

• The fire broke out at the Bihar Building Dept cash desk in Katihar late last night
• The building is sealed
• Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire

The fire broke out at the Bihar Building Department cash desk in Katihar late last night, an officer said. Local residents helped put out the flames until authorities arrived. The ward constable informed the police and other officials about the fire.

Smoke could be seen coming from the recording room this afternoon when senior officers arrived at the scene. Fire engines were again called to the fire. Cash books, supplier contracts and other related documents are believed to have been destroyed in the fire. The building is sealed, and the damage caused will only be discovered by the municipality's probe.

"I received information about the fire at 2:08, after which I immediately informed the district governor by phone and went to the office. When I came here, I saw that the fire was put out with the help of local people,” executive engineer Rakesh Ranjan told.

"It is still under investigation as to what happened. The record room has been sealed, and a judge has been appointed to investigate," he said, adding, "In the room is our cash book, a copy of the NSC-TD contractor contract and other related office documents. We will know about the damage, when the room is reopened, and we do an inventory list.”

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire.