Kolkata/IBNS, June 16 -- Around 1,300 shops are feared to have been gutted in a massive fire which broke out at the Orphan Ganj Bazar in Kolkata's Khidirpur area, media reports said.

The fire broke out at a little later than 1 am on Monday.

The blaze spread fast across the shops due to the congestion in the area.

Locals have vented their anger against the state administration alleging there was a delay in the arrival of fire engines.

People in the area said the losses could have been restricted had the fire engines reached the area on time.

Levelling a shocking allegation, one of the shopkeepers alleged the fire brigade did not have water and oil in its pump as a result water could not be pumped out from the nearest river.

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