Garhwal Post Bureau
Vikasnagar, 1 Jul: A major incident was reported from Dehradun district late last night when a two-storey residential building in Masoti Kheda of Bhanjara Gram Panchayat, under Kalsi tehsil, was gutted in a fire. The blaze reduced the structure to ashes and claimed the lives of several cattle tied inside, causing severe financial loss to the affected family.
According to information, the house belonged to Bhopalu, son of Kadia, who had returned to his native village Pajota after feeding and watering his livestock as part of his daily routine. Later in the night, flames suddenly engulfed the building. Alarmed villagers rushed to the spot after noticing the fire and raised cries for help.
On receiving the news, Bhopalu also reached the site but by then the fire had spread uncontrollably. Despite desperate efforts by villagers to douse the flames and rescue the animals, only two oxen and two goats could be saved. Eight goats, one buffalo, two cows and a calf perished in the blaze. Household belongings and fodder stored for the animals were also destroyed, leaving the farmer devastated as his livelihood depended largely on the livestock.
Area Panchayat member Seema Rana informed the local patwari about the incident. Former BDC member and youth BJP leader Kanti Rana expressed deep sorrow, stating that the family had been shattered by the tragedy. He apprised former district panchayat chairperson Madhu Chauhan of the matter and urged the Kalsi SDM over phone to provide immediate government relief to the victim’s family. The district magistrate has also been informed.
During the relief and rescue operations, villagers including Rinku, Gabru, Hagadu, Sunil and Bhju were present at the site. Kalsi Tehsildar Sushila Kothiyal said that the patwari has been directed to conduct a spot inspection without delay and submit a detailed report to the tehsil administration at the earliest.
