Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
A devastating fire broke out in Bharni village under Gram Panchayat Charra of Churah subdivision late Tuesday evening, destroying a joint house belonging to four brothers. The mud-structured home, owned by Murid, Sefu, Maradu, and Juri—sons of Sabho, wife of late Jumu—was completely gutted in the blaze.
Fortunately, no lives were lost as the family members were away at the time of the incident. However, the losses are staggering. The family reported that gold ornaments worth around ₹2.5 lakh and cash amounting to ₹5–6 lakh were kept inside the house, all of which were reduced to ashes along with household belongings.
The fire spread rapidly, and due to the village being located 6–7 kilometers away from the nearest road, fire brigade vehicles could not reach the site. Local villagers rushed to the spot and attempted to douse the flames themselves.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Villagers and the affected family have urged the administration to provide adequate compensation to help them recover from the tragedy.
