KOZHIKODE: Fire gutted a garment production unit at Puthiyara in the early hours of Thursday leading to an estimated loss of Rs 2 crore. The tailoring machines and fabrics kept in the unit were completely destroyed in the two-storey building near SK Pottekkad cultural centre. Fire and rescue units from Kozhikode beach and Meenchanada units doused the fire.
Forensic experts are collecting evidence from the unit that was opened less than a year ago. Fire and safety officials suspect that short circuit might have triggered the fire. Adding to the worries, Sabah Thekkethodiyil, one of the partners of the Miss 20 garment-making unit, said that they had not insured the unit.
Sources at the fire and safety department hinted that the building lacked a fire and safety certificate. There were more than 40 machines and 40 employees working at the unit, Mr Sabah said. The furniture as well as the stock that was kept ready for the Onam-Bakrid sale was also charred. Mayor Thottathil Raveendran and Kozhikode South MLA M.K. Muneer visited the spot.
