Suspicion surrounds fire at Biratnagar Jute Mills, causes damage worth 2 million

KATHMANDU: A fire erupted at Biratnagar Jute Mills on Tuesday night, resulting in machinery and raw materials worth 20 lakhs being destroyed.

The incident, which occurred at the ‘Dreamer Bleaching Department’ responsible for finalizing yarn used in jute sacks, was initially estimated to have caused the significant loss.

Locals have raised suspicions of foul play, alleging that the fire may have been intentionally set. The jute mills, situated in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-16, have been non-operational since Magh 2078. Pappu Subba, the mills’ security commander, pointed out that recent government announcements to revive the mills, along with foreign companies expressing interest, may have instigated sabotage.

With Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent pledge to restart operations and plans for restructuring from next Baisakh, suspicions of deliberate sabotage have intensified. Uddhav Bhujel, Ward Chair of Biratnagar Metropolitan City Ward No. 16, suggested potential involvement of individuals engaging in theft or drug abuse, considering the mill’s location.

According to Ranjan Dahal, spokesperson of District Police Office, Morang, the fire destroyed three old machines and consumed raw materials intended for jute production, amounting to a loss of 2 million. Investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities ruling out the possibility of a short-circuit due to the industry’s long-term closure and power supply disconnection.

The sudden outbreak of fire in a dormant facility has raised suspicions, prompting a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities to determine the cause and possible perpetrators behind the incident.