Gurpreet Singh :- A major fire broke out at a well-known ready-made garments showroom, “Hari Om Collection”, in the town, causing losses worth several lakhs, officials said. Shop owner Harinder Kumar said he received a call around 4 am from a passerby who noticed smoke billowing from the premises. By the time he reached the spot, flames had engulfed the interior and the main shutter failed to open despite repeated attempts.
Personnel from Punjab Police, led by outpost in-charge Gulzar Singh, rushed to the scene and initiated efforts to contain the blaze. Fire brigade teams were alerted and two fire tenders reached within half an hour to assist in the operation.
Despite sustained efforts for nearly three hours, the fire could not be brought under control immediately. The shutter was eventually broken using a JCB machine, revealing that the entire stock inside had been reduced to ashes. Firefighters were still battling the flames at the time of filing the report.
Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Makhan Pallan said traders in the area have expressed solidarity with the affected shopkeeper. Police officials added that details of the losses are being compiled.
