A confectionery shop in Jalandhar’s Basti Sheikh area was gutted in a fire that broke out during the early hours, leaving the shopkeeper with losses worth several lakhs of rupees. The fire destroyed the goods stored inside the shop, while the affected owner has raised concerns over the response time of the fire brigade.
According to shopkeeper Saurav, he was informed about the incident between 2:30 am and 3 am after a bakery owner in the neighbouring area and a worker at his shop alerted him about the fire. The shop, which he runs with his younger brother, had been taken on rent on August 17, 2026.
Goods worth lakhs destroyed in fire
Saurav said that almost everything inside the shop was reduced to ashes, resulting in substantial financial losses. He claimed that he had invested approximately ₹4.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh in goods and had also paid ₹6.80 lakh to take over the shop.
The establishment operates under the name Bhola Milk Bar and Confectionery. According to Saurav, the rental agreement covers shop numbers 2 and 3.
The shopkeeper said the incident had caused significant financial damage, as the business had been set up only recently. The exact extent of the total loss has not yet been independently established.
Shopkeeper questions fire brigade response
Raising concerns over the emergency response, Saurav alleged that he and others tried contacting the fire brigade for around 30 to 45 minutes, but the fire tenders arrived late.
He said approximately two fire brigade vehicles eventually reached the spot and made efforts to bring the blaze under control. However, by that time, the shop had suffered extensive damage.
The allegations regarding the delay in the fire brigade’s arrival have not been independently verified.
Short circuit suspected, investigation awaited
According to Saurav, the fire brigade personnel indicated that a short circuit could have caused the blaze. However, the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed.
Further clarity is expected following the police and administrative investigation into the incident.
The fire has left the shopkeeper facing considerable financial losses, with questions surrounding the cause of the blaze and the emergency response awaiting further clarification.
