VISHVENDU JAIPURIAR
Chatra, May 19: Fire caught a banyan tree due to the carelessness of the women who were busy in the Vat Savitri puja at the Gandauri temple of the town. However, the fire was brought under control with the help of the people around and the Sadar Police. The matter of relief was that no casualty was reported in this fire. However, fire engulfed the trunk of the tree but it was also saved by local people. But there were many who instead of dousing the flames were busy clicking pictures and videos.
Sources said married women on Friday afternoon had come to the city’s Gandauri temple wishing for the long life of their husbands. This temple is a centre of devotion for town people. Other than a banyan tree, it also has a peepal tree nearby. Since morning women were seen worshipping the banyan tree with rituals.
Meanwhile, due to the carelessness of a woman, a burning incense stick came in contact with paper and plastic along with dry leaves. Due to this, the fire broke out in no time. The fire quickly engulfed the trunk of the tree and then the tree was seen into flames.
Due to the fire at the place of worship, there was chaos and screams among the women. Hearing this, the people around ran and started extinguishing the fire after sending the women to a safe place.
Sadar Police was immediately informed. The police also tried their best to extinguish the fire. Many started fetching water from a nearby well to douse the flames. Soon it was brought under control.
Eyewitness Ganesh Ram of Jatrahibag Mohalla said fire caught mauli threads wrapped around the tree trunk beside cotton clothes. This was the reason why, all of a sudden tree was seen on fire. Fire gutted clothes and Mauli but did not cause much damage to the tree, he added.
Sumitra Devi, a newly married woman said she got feared as the fire broke. I was standing close but then those present came fast and made us go to a safer place. I am thankful to god that nothing much happened and we performed puja, she added.
