Badaun Fire (File)
An unfortunate fire ravaged the exhibition fair at Gandhi Ground in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, reducing 20-25 shops to ashes. The inferno, reported at 5:30 AM, sent shockwaves through the bustling market, leaving vendors in despair. Authorities confirmed no casualties, but the economic toll, estimated in lakhs, has sparked urgent calls for relief.
Strong morning winds fueled the flames, which spread rapidly across the fair.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A massive fire broke out at an exhibition at Ram Leela Maidan in Budaun. Firefighting operations are underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/Wxkeaq7638
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2025
The fire gutted stalls selling clothes, electronics, and handicrafts, destroying goods worth over ₹50 lakh. Local shopkeeper Rajesh Kumar, 38, lamented losing his entire inventory, his sole livelihood. Fire brigades from Badaun and Bareilly, arriving by 6:00 AM, battled the flames for three hours, supported by police who evacuated the area. The district administration has launched an inquiry into safety violations at the fair, which hosted over 100 stalls.
The fire has crippled small vendors, many of whom borrowed heavily to stock their shops. Residents criticized the lack of fire extinguishers and inadequate safety checks at the fair, organized by a private contractor. Protests erupted outside the district magistrate’s office, demanding compensation and stricter regulations for public events. Badaun’s traders’ association plans a memorandum to seek government aid.
District Magistrate announced an initial relief fund of ₹10,000 per affected vendor, with further assistance pending damage assessments. The Uttar Pradesh government has promised support, including low-interest loans. As Badaun mourns the loss of livelihoods, this tragedy underscores the need for robust safety measures at public gatherings to prevent such disasters in the future.
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