Deepavali rocket guts two houses

Two huts at Varlakonda in the taluk were gutted and things worth more than Rs 25,000 destroyed on Tuesday night, during Deepavali celebrations.

Children were apparently bursting crackers near the huts and a rocket that they lit fell on the houses, which belong to Venkatalakshmamma and Narasimhappa. Both were busy lighting lamps outside the houses when the accident took place.

The groundnuts, ragi and foodgrains stored in the houses as well as clothes were gutted in the fire, which the staff of the fire brigade doused.

A case was also booked by the staff of the brigade.

Relief declared

The victims were promised Rs 5,000 each by the Varlakonda Gram Panchayat.

GP vice-president A L Babu, who spoke to Deccan Herald, said the Panchayat would also ensure Venkatalakshmamma and Narasimhappa were provided funds to rebuild the houses.

Panchayat members Chikka Nanjundappa, Ramappa and head of the village Ramesh were also present on the occasion.