Chugh demands compensation for fire victims

Amritsar: BJP national general secretary, Tarun Chugh, has written to Punjab chief secretary K A P Sinha seeking immediate action regarding the devastating fire that broke out at Bansa Wala Bazaar (Lakkar Mandi) recently.Chugh described the tragedy as a glaring example of the Punjab govt's alleged failure and administrative negligence. He said that more than 25 shops were reduced to ashes and a specially-abled shopkeeper, Khairati Lal, was burnt alive in the incident, which shocked the entire state.In a letter written to Sinha, a copy of which was released to the media on Tuesday, Chugh stated that according to eyewitnesses, the fire originated due to a short circuit in overhead electricity wires. With large quantities of bamboo, wood and other highly combustible material stored in the market, the blaze spread rapidly.He said years of hard work and investment were destroyed before the traders' eyes, leaving several families facing an uncertain future.Chugh demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the incident, strict punitive action against officials and employees responsible for negligence, and registration of an FIR against those found guilty.He also demanded immediate financial assistance for the affected traders and shopkeepers and urged the Punjab govt to provide compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the affected traders.Chugh also sought special financial assistance for the family of the deceased Khairati Lal.