Over 50 houses and an ancient temple were gutted in a massive fire at Kotla village in Banjar subdivision of this district today.
There were reports that the temple of Bada Chhamahu Devta was completely destroyed, while another adjoining temple of Bhauni Devta was also engulfed in the flames.
Dola Singh Mahant, a resident of the village, said the cause of fire was not known and around 32 houses were still under threat.
The villagers were trying to douse the flames while those from adjoining villages were also pouring in help.
Banjar SDM Ashwani Kumar confirmed the reports and said a rescue team was sent to the village. No loss of life or livestock was reported, while the entire village, having over 100 houses, was still engulfed in flames till the filing of this report.
The village is connected by unmetalled road. Fire tenders, too, were not accessible at the village due to difficult hilly terrain.
