Mystery looms over Kozhikode fire, is earlier dispute between business partners behind act

KOZHIKODE: There will be an investigation into the mystery surrounding the fire at the new bus stand complex in Kozhikode. It is reported that there was a dispute between the business partners of the textiles, which caught fire first, one and a half months ago. The shop is presently owned by Mukundan of Kottuly. Prakashan was former partner of this shop.

Prakashan and Mukundan severed ties. Prakashan later started another textile. However, there was a dispute between the two over some matters and in a fit of rage, Prakashan had stabbed Mukundan. Prakashan is still in remand in the case. The police are investigating whether the dispute between the two is behind yesterday's fire.

The fire broke out yesterday evening. Special fire units from Karipur Airport arrived and the fire was extinguished after five and a half hours of effort. The loss in the incident was worth crores. There were no casualties being Sunday.

There was a large stock of textiles since it was school opening season. Around fifty shops and establishments are operating in the two-storied complex. A major disaster was averted as everyone present there was evacuated.

The chief secretary has directed the district collector to submit a report on the incident within two days. This was the biggest fire in Kozhikode city after tragedy struck a firecracker shop at Mittayi Theruvu in April 2007 leading to the death of eight.