Protesters target fire tender, pelt stones

Local residents of Kamalgazi area in the southern fringes of the city today pelted stones at a fire tender when it went to douse a blaze in a shop, alleging that fire brigade officers did not respond on time to their calls.
Police officers at Sonarpur police station said, angry local residents and a section of shopkeepers vented their anger on a fire tender after it reached Kamalgazi market to douse the flames after a shop caught fire.
"Initial reports indicate the fire started from a short circuit in the shop. The residents had informed the fire brigade, but pelted stones at the tender when it reached the spot, accusing the officers to turning up late. Police have brought the situation under control and the fire has also been doused," a senior officer said.