A massive fire erupted late Sunday night in the Govindpur police station area of East Singhbhum, specifically in the Ghodabanda locality, causing widespread panic. The inferno began with smoke emanating from a car parked outside an Ola service center, rapidly escalating into a ferocious blaze. Within minutes, several other vehicles parked nearby were consumed by the towering flames.
Witnesses described the intense heat and thick smoke as residents rushed out of their homes, attempting to combat the fire with available resources. Emergency services, including fire brigades and police, were promptly dispatched to the scene. After a prolonged and arduous effort, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control late into the night.
The incident has sparked significant anger among local residents, who allege that the Ola service center owner, Tapas Das, has illegally occupied forest department land and roadside space for unauthorized parking, allegedly with the company’s complicity. Complaints have reportedly been lodged multiple times regarding this issue, but authorities from the forest department and administration have failed to take action.
Locals also pointed out the presence of a transformer directly opposite the makeshift parking area. They expressed grave concern that if the fire had reached the transformer, a major explosion and catastrophic loss of life could have occurred.