TMC candidate Kaushik Ranjan Das loses shop in devastating Bongaigaon fire

A devastating fire broke out at Ghilaguri market in Jogighopa area of Bongaigaon district, reducing at least 14 shops to ashes and causing extensive property damage late last night.

According to initial reports, the fire erupted at a stationery shop owned by Mahadev Mandal in the Ghilaguri market under North Salmara Police Station. Authorities suspect that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, though an official confirmation is awaited.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing nearby establishments. During the incident, two gas cylinders inside a hotel exploded almost simultaneously, intensifying the blaze and creating panic in the area.

Among the affected properties was a shop belonging to Kaushik Ranjan Das, the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Abhayapuri Assembly constituency, which was completely destroyed in the fire.

Officials estimate that goods and property worth approximately ₹80–90 lakh were lost in the incident. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and launched an extensive firefighting operation. After prolonged efforts, the fire was finally brought under control.

Later in the night, Pradip Sarkar, the Congress candidate from Abhayapuri, visited the site to assess the situation and interact with affected traders.

The incident has left the local business community in shock, with a grim atmosphere prevailing in Ghilaguri as traders assess the scale of losses.