LG Sinha forms committee to probe Jammu Nehru Market fire
An inquiry committee has been tasked with investigating the cause of the blaze that gutted several shops in the historic market.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday formed an inquiry committee to determine the cause and circumstances of a fire at a warehouse in Jammu's Nehru market. The fire occurred on the night of November 8, according to reports from the Kashmir Observer and Hindustan Times.
The committee includes Jammu Inspector General of Police Tejinder Singh and Divisional Commissioner Vikas Kundal. A Lok Bhawan spokesperson stated the group must investigate any negligence, fix responsibility, and submit a report within 15 days.
The blaze at the Bikram Chowk area gutted approximately 15 shops in the historic commercial hub. The market is known for the wholesale trade of edible oil, foodgrains, and essential commodities. No injuries were reported.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed the district administration to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected shopkeepers. The chief minister's office stated on X that Abdullah expressed sympathy for those impacted and ordered swift administrative support.
Warehouse Association president Deepak Gupta alleged that the fire and emergency services department was negligent. Gupta claimed that despite a fire station being located five minutes from the site, only two fire tenders arrived roughly 90 minutes after the fire started.
Department officials countered these allegations, maintaining that they responded to the initial call immediately by deploying two fire tenders from the nearest station, with reinforcements arriving from other locations later.