A major fire broke out at the Sales Tax (State Tax) office in Khandwa on Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the building and destroying crucial government records. The office, located opposite the district jail, was quickly engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky and alarming nearby residents.

Fire Breaks Out Suddenly in Afternoon

The incident occurred around 2 PM when locals noticed flames and heavy smoke rising from the building. They immediately alerted emergency services by calling Dial 112. Police personnel from the nearby Kotwali station were the first to reach the scene and began initial safety measures.

Holiday Prevents Casualties

Fortunately, being a Sunday, the office was closed at the time of the incident. This significantly reduced the risk of casualties, as no officials or staff members were present inside the building. Authorities confirmed that the situation could have been far more serious if the fire had occurred on a working day.

Possible Cause Linked to Negligence

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated from burning dry bushes in the premises. It is believed that the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, eventually reaching the building and turning into a major blaze. However, some officials have also indicated that an electrical short circuit cannot be ruled out and remains under investigation.

Firefighting Efforts Intensified

Within 30 minutes of receiving the alert, three fire brigade vehicles reached the location and began efforts to control the fire. Firefighters worked intensively to prevent the flames from spreading further and to bring the situation under control.

Severe Damage to Records and Property

The fire caused significant damage to office infrastructure, including furniture, documents, and equipment. Reports indicate that the record room was completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of important files. However, the computer room reportedly remained safe, preventing a complete loss of digital data.

Office Structure and Importance

The two-storey building was constructed recently and became operational in June 2023. It housed both district-level and divisional offices, handling key functions related to sales tax and GST operations in the region.

Official Statement on Loss

Assistant Commissioner Jyoti Brahme stated that the office handled all major tax-related work and that the extent of damage is currently being assessed. While initial reports suggest widespread destruction, officials are still verifying whether any records can be recovered.

Investigation Underway

Authorities, along with fire department officials, are now conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. A full damage assessment report is expected soon.