Bengaluru: 20 sheds gutted in fire; CCTV footage under scrutiny

The fire broke out in Somasundarpalya under the Bandepalya police station limits, where migrant workers from West Bengal were living in makeshift settlements, they said. No injuries were reported, as most of the workers had returned to their native places to cast their votes, officials said.

At least 20 temporary sheds were gutted in a major fire here in the early hours of Tuesday, police said. The fire broke out in Somasundarpalya under the Bandepalya police station limits, where migrant workers from West Bengal were living in makeshift settlements, they said. No injuries were reported, as most of the workers had returned to their native places to cast their votes, officials said. According to officials, a few women and children who were present managed to escape safely. However, the fire destroyed their belongings, including identity documents. The affected families depend on rag-picking and waste segregation for their livelihood. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, along with police, rushed to the spot and doused the blaze. Residents have expressed suspicion of possible foul play. Police said CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined to determine the cause of the fire, which is yet to be ascertained.