Rourkela: Properties worth lakhs of rupees and several important documents were reduced to ashes after a fire broke out at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in Rourkela late Tuesday night. No casualty or injuries were reported in the mishap.
According to reports, the fire broke out at the Works and Purchase Department of the institution following which properties worth lakhs of rupees were gutted. Many important files, documents and several electronic equipments present inside were reduced.
The authorities who spotted smoke billowing out of the office building immediately informed fire brigade. Following which two fire tenders rushed to the spot and doused the flames.
Though the exact reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that an electrical short circuit might have invited the mishap.
It is also presumed that someone might have set the office on fire over alleged irregularities in the department, sources said.
Meanwhile, a seven member fact-finding team has been formed to conduct a probe into the incident and submit an enquiry report today.
Questions have also been raised on the safety and security at the reputed institute as it is not the first incident of fire breakout.
Earlier, a major mishap was averted and assets worth lakhs were saved after a fire broke out in a computer lab on the premises of the institute due to electrical-short-circuit in May this year.
PNN