A fire erupted at an abandoned building near the Patto Panjim petrol pump on Thursday. Firefighters immediately rushed to the site and doused the flames. Prior to the arrival of the firefighting team, shop keepers in the neighbourhood took the initiative to control the blaze. Locals pointed out that the abandoned building serves as an illegal residence for several migrants who allegedly engage in unauthorized cooking activities. Suspicions have been raised regarding the fire’s origin, with locals speculating that it may have resulted from the cooking.
“The migrants come here and leave behind their filth, they even cook here which must led to the fire,” said a neighbouring shop owner, Manmesh.
However, previous complaints about the presence of migrants in the area had been reported to authorities, but no action had been taken.
Manmesh highlighted the dangerous state of the building, emphasizing its deteriorating condition with exposed internal structures, posing a potential hazard to passersby. “People pass through this area, and the pieces of the slab fall. It could collapse anytime,” he warned.
