An intense fire at an Ola service center’s external parking lot in Ghodabanda, East Singhbhum, late Sunday night caused significant damage and panic. The fire, believed to have started from a car, rapidly spread, engulfing several other vehicles parked nearby. The incident occurred within the limits of the Govindpur police station.
As flames leaped high, locals rushed out of their residences, attempting to douse the fire. Upon receiving information, fire services and police teams were deployed to the location. Following a prolonged struggle, the fire was eventually brought under control late in the night.
The incident has fueled resentment among locals, who allege that the Ola service center’s owner, Tapas Das, has unlawfully converted forest department land and adjacent roadside areas into a parking zone, possibly with the service center’s involvement. Despite multiple complaints submitted to the forest department and administrative bodies, no action has reportedly been taken.
Community members also drew attention to a transformer located just opposite the unauthorized parking lot. They expressed their fear that a fire reaching the transformer could have led to a massive explosion, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.