Beltangady: A fire that broke out at a health clinic in Navoor late Tuesday night damaged three rooms and destroyed a large quantity of medical equipment, medicines and other materials. The incident came to light on Wednesday morning, prompting police and forensic officials to inspect the premises.
The clinic, run by Dr Pradeep A, is located in Swathi Building, owned by Shekhar Poojary of Navoor village, Beltangady. An office belonging to a private organisation is functioning adjacent to the clinic.
Three rooms damaged in fire
The fire caused extensive damage to three rooms of the health clinic, including the consultant’s room. Beds, medicines, electronic equipment and several other items were destroyed in the blaze, resulting in significant property loss.
The adjoining office of the private organisation was not damaged in the incident.
The extent of the damage became clear after the fire was discovered on Wednesday morning. Burnt materials and other articles inside the clinic were examined by investigating officials as part of efforts to determine how the fire started.
Police and forensic team inspect site
Personnel from the Beltangady police station visited the clinic after the incident was reported. A forensic investigation team also reached the spot and conducted a detailed inspection.
The teams examined the damaged rooms and collected burnt materials and other evidence from the premises. The material collected during the inspection is expected to assist investigators in determining the circumstances that led to the fire.
As the exact cause of the blaze has not yet been established, police are investigating various possibilities.
Locals gather after incident
News of the fire spread in Navoor on Wednesday, drawing hundreds of people to the market and surrounding areas.
Some local residents expressed suspicion that the fire may have been deliberately set. They urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, establish the cause of the incident and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
However, the circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation, and no conclusion has been reached regarding its cause.
Doctor says he left clinic at 9 pm
Dr Pradeep said he was present at the clinic until around 9 pm on Tuesday. He said he came to know about the fire only at around 8 am on Wednesday.
Speaking about the incident, Dr Pradeep said he had no personal enmity with anyone. He expressed hope that the police investigation would establish what happened and reveal the actual cause of the fire.
The timing between the clinic being closed for the night and the discovery of the fire is among the circumstances being examined by the investigating authorities.
Investigation underway
A case has been registered in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway.
Police and forensic officials are expected to examine the evidence collected from the clinic and other available information to determine the circumstances in which the fire broke out.
With substantial medical equipment, medicines, beds and other materials damaged, the incident has caused considerable loss to the health clinic. The fact that the adjoining private organisation’s office escaped damage has also been noted during the preliminary inspection.
The final cause of the fire will be established based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.