Sylhet, Jan. 17 -- A fire that broke out at the home of late schoolteacher Birendra Deb in Sylhet's Gowainghat was caused by an electrical short circuit, police said, rejecting claims of any communal link.

In a statement issued on Friday night, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Samrat Talukder said the fire started from a short circuit at the house of Birendra Deb.

The fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at the house in Bahar village, East Para, under Nandirgaon Union of the upazila.

The affected family claimed that goods worth Tk 60 to 70 lakh were destroyed.

Meanwhile, from Thursday evening, photos and videos of the fire began circulating online.

Some social media users claimed the house of Birendra Deb was set on fire for pol...