Five E-Rickshaws Gutted in Katigorah Fire, Residents Angry Over Late Arrival of Fire Brigade

A major fire broke out at Lathimara village in Katigorah area of Cachar district late at night, destroying a house and five electric auto-rickshaws that were reportedly being charged at the time of the incident. Initial estimates suggest losses exceeding Rs 25 lakh.

According to local sources, all five electric autos belonging to a man identified as Paritosh Das were connected for charging inside the house when the fire suddenly started. Villagers noticed the flames and immediately raised an alarm, prompting local residents to rush to the spot with buckets of water in an attempt to control the blaze.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the vehicles and the house within a short time.

“I was sleeping and five vehicles were stored in my house. All of a sudden we realised there was a fire and all the vehicles were destroyed,” said one witness.

Locals claimed that the fire brigade was informed immediately after the incident began. However, residents alleged that the fire service personnel arrived nearly two hours later despite the fire station being located around three kilometres from the spot.

Another witness said villagers themselves managed to bring the fire under control before the arrival of the fire department. Residents blamed the delay in response for the extent of the damage, alleging that timely intervention could have prevented the fire from spreading further.

Visuals from the scene showed angry locals confronting firefighters and the fire engine after their arrival. Some residents expressed frustration, claiming the response came only after everything had already been destroyed.

After reaching the spot, fire service personnel carried out cooling operations using fire hoses.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed. However, locals suspect that an electrical short circuit during the charging process may have triggered the blaze.

No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.