Kashmir: Fire Engulfs Intelligence Bureau Office Complex In Srinagar

Fire ravages building in Intelligence Bureau complex located on Gupkar Road.

Cause of fire remains undetermined, preliminary investigations point towards a short circuit. [Image used for representational purpose only]

Source : PTI

A fire erupted on Wednesday in the outer office of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) complex located on Gupkar Road in Srinagar. Although there have been no reported casualties, one of the smaller buildings within the complex sustained significant damage. Upon receiving the emergency call, several fire tenders rushed to the scene and initiated immediate efforts to extinguish the fire, preventing its spread to other structures. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, preliminary investigations point towards a short circuit.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by the authorities or the Intelligence Bureau regarding whether the affected building housed sensitive information.

Fire breaks out at IB office in #Srinagar pic.twitter.com/ycz1xMtDm7

— Jkupdate (@jkupdate) May 31, 2023

This incident follows last month's fire at Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar, where three shopping complexes and five residential houses were damaged. The fire engulfed nearly 10 shops, including two restaurants and a salon. The area is known for its chain of shopping complexes, restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, and other commercial establishments, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Approximately 10-12 fire tenders were deployed to control the flames, which took nearly three hours to bring under control. Despite substantial property damage, no casualties were reported.

Hazratbal Tehsildar, Qaisar Malik, confirmed that eight structures were affected by the fire. "The upper floors of five residential houses and the upper sections of three commercial complexes were damaged in the fire. Fortunately, there was no loss of life," he informed HT. Malik added that the fire originated in a restaurant and rapidly spread due to limited space.

In response to the incident, the administration pledged relief assistance to those who lost their homes and shops in the fire, with support being provided by the Red Cross.