Bandipora, May 23, KDC: A devastating nocturnal fire reduced a residential tin shed and cowshed to ashes in Rather Mohalla, Ajas, Bandipora, claiming the lives of two cows and a calf while destroying cash savings worth lakhs of rupees.
Witnesses told Srinagar-based news-gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com that the shed, belonging to Aashiq Hussain Rather, son of Abdul Razzak Rather, was completely gutted in the blaze, leaving the family in distress.
Locals said that all belongings, including valuables and stored cash, were destroyed in the incident.
The attached cowshed was also completely gutted in the blaze, resulting in the tragic death of two cows and a calf that were trapped inside.
“The livestock perished before rescue efforts could be mounted, dealing a severe blow to the family’s livelihood,” local villagers said.
“We were hearing the distressed cries of the animals during the fire but were unable to save them due to the intensity of the flames,” they added.
According to villagers, Rather had recently taken a loan amounting to lakhs of rupees and kept the cash in a box inside the house, which was also consumed by the flames.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the matter.
The tragic incident has left the family in severe financial hardship.
Local residents have appealed to the administration for immediate compensation and assistance to help the family recover from the loss. (KDC)