The incident triggered sharp political reactions, with leaders of the Trinamool Congress alleging that the fire was linked to post-election violence. Abhishek Banerjee and Mahua Moitra accused BJP-backed miscreants of attempting to disturb social harmony in the state following the party's sweeping electoral triumph.
However, preliminary findings from local authorities and police indicate that the fire was most likely caused by an electrical short circuit. Officials said strong sea breezes in the coastal region intensified the flames, allowing the fire to spread rapidly across the densely packed marketplace. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
On Sunday, Subrata Paik, a BJP legislator from the party's stronghold in the region, visited the affected market to assess the extent of the destruction and meet with traders who lost their businesses.
As investigations continue, both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress have appealed for restraint and calm, urging residents not to act on unverified claims. The fire has not only devastated the livelihoods of dozens of shopkeepers but has also intensified the already charged political atmosphere in West Bengal following one of the most consequential electoral victories in the state's history.
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