A minor fire broke out in the campus of the office of the Commissioner of Police, Madurai city here on Friday.
A fire tender from Periyar bus stand fire service station rushed to the spot at around 10.45 a.m. and the fire was put out within a few minutes. The fire fighters ensured that the fire did not spread any further. Initial probe suggested that a short circuit may have been the cause of the fire. Police said that the fire had damaged some electricity wires and PVC pipes passing from the electric lamp post to the metre box installed on the first floor of the CoP's office. On information, the electricity board officials arrived and supervised the repairs. Power was disrupted for about five hours. The premises, which houses all senior police officers including the Commissioner of Police, is a heritage building situated very close to the famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. A few months ago a similar fire accident had occurred in the campus, police recalled.
Inspector General and Commissioner of Police P. Kannappan and other officials inspected the spot.
Proposal
Following representations from the public and media reports requesting shifting of the Commissioner's office to an ideal location, the police had sent a proposal to the State seeking approval and funds for construction of a modern commissionerate. In the present office, the authorities are unable to carry out any major repairs. Further, the public also found it extremely difficult to park vehicles in the campus.
