KTR demands compensation for shops gutted in Kondagattu fire mishap

KT Rama Rao expressed anguish over a massive fire that destroyed nearly 30 shops near Kondagattu temple in Jagtial. He blamed government negligence for delayed fire response, sought ₹30 lakh aid per family, and assured BRS support for victims

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday expressed anguish over the fire that broke out in the early hours of Sunday reducing to ashes all the shops surrounding the famous Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy temple in Jagtial district.

He spoke directly over phone with Choppadandi former MLA Sunke Ravishankar, who reached the spot immediately after the incident, and enquired in detail about the extent of damage on the ground.

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Expressing deep pain, Rama Rao said poor and middle-class families who had taken loans and worked hard to set up small shops for their livelihood have been rendered destitute overnight due to the blaze. Goods, toys, and all other materials in nearly 30 shops were completely gutted.

Putting the estimated loss of nearly Rs 1 crore, he called it extremely unfortunate.

He strongly criticised the state government, stating that the primary reason for such huge property damage was the delayed arrival of fire engines.

The Jagtial fire engine was under repair, one engine that arrived initially failed to function, and vehicles from Korutla and Karimnagar reached only after more than an hour which he said was a clear evidence of administrative failure and gross negligence of the government machinery.

Holding the Congress government fully responsible for the lapse, Rama Rao demanded that the administration should come to the rescue of the affected families.

Taking into account the total loss of assets, complete destruction of businesses, and shops being reduced to a state beyond repair, he urged the government to provide Rs 30 lakh financial assistance to each affected family on humanitarian grounds.

He appreciated Ravishankar for rushing to the spot as soon as the news broke, participating in relief operations, and distributing Rs 5,000 as immediate aid to the victims.

Assuring the local people and affected families that the BRS stands firmly with them, he said if the state failed to pay adequate compensation and rehabilitate the victims, the BRS would mount pressure on the government on behalf of the affected families.