Food grains worth over Rs50 lakh were destroyed in a major fire that broke out at a wholesale market in Mathura today.
"As many as 21 godowns, storing food grains worth over Rs50 lakh were destroyed in the blaze," city magistrate Ram Avtar Raman told reporters.
"Eight fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the fire that broke out at about 6.00am. Firemen fought for four hours to fully extinguish the flames," he said.
The fire was caused most probably due to a short-circuit, however, we are ascertaining the actual cause, he said.
Meanwhile, local trader association claimed the loss due to the fire was between Rs2-3 crores.
"The loss is no less than 2-3 crores. The victims should be given full compensation," Mathura Vyapaar Samiti president Radha Charan said.
Political parties have also demanded compensation for the victims.
"If within a fortnight the farmers and shopkeepers do not get relief, we will launch an agitation," BJP vice-president Kalaraj Mishra said.
Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) legislator Puran Prakash and Uttar Pradesh Congress general secretary Kunvar Narendra Singh also demanded compensation for the victims.
