Cylinder blast leads to panic in Chowk Karori

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

Panic gripped the congested lanes of Chowk Karori area in the walled city on Wednesday when fire erupted at an old-rented house. People in the area and later, fire brigade staff tried to douse the fire. No loss of life was reported in the incident. Police officials headed by ACP Kamaldeep Singh also reached the spot.

Owner of the house alleged that the house was set on fire by tenants. A property dispute is reportedly going on between the owner Manmohan Singh and Ajay Kumar’s family, which has been living at the house for past over six decades. According to information, a bailiff from court had come for handing over court’s orders to vacate the property to the tenants. However, the tenants allegedly entered into a scuffle with him.

Manmohan Singh said he had won the case in the court. He alleged that after Ajay’s family failed to deposit the rent, the court had ordered them to vacate it. “After the scuffle, Ajay set the house on fire and fled away, leaving the house badly damaged,” said Manmohan Singh.

However, Ajay Kumar refuted the allegations that he had scuffled with the bailiff. He said his mother was preparing milk for kids, when the gas pipe was accidentally removed and it caught fire. He said he, along with his mother and minor son, were at home when the incident happened. They ran to save their lives. He said the family was seeking time to consult lawyer for taking further necessary action

ACP Kamaldeep Singh said the matter was under investigation. It has been learnt that the incident was an outcome of a property dispute between the owner and tenants. He said the bailiff was yet to report to the police.