A devastating fire broke out around 2 AM in Kolkata's bustling Khidirpur market area, reducing over a thousand shops to ashes. The flames rapidly spread through tightly packed stalls, including rice godowns, textile outlets, and general stores, causing panic among traders and residents.

More than 20 fire tenders were deployed to the scene, eventually managing to bring the inferno under control after hours of relentless effort. However, local residents alleged that a delay in the fire brigade's arrival worsened the destruction, allowing the fire to engulf more shops unchecked.

West Bengal’s Minister of Fire and Emergency Services, Sujit Basu, visited the site early this morning. He assured affected traders that all necessary assistance would be provided and ordered an inquiry into the cause of the fire and the reported delay in emergency response.

While no casualties have been reported, the financial losses are estimated to be in crores. Traders now face the grim task of rebuilding their livelihoods amid mounting calls for improved fire safety infrastructure in crowded market zones.