Kolkata: A major fire engulfed large areas in city's business hub Burrabazar, gutting shops in the early hours of December 21.

Fire brigade sources said 40 firetenders were battling the blaze since 01:18 hours (IST) as the fire was yet to be brought under control.

There was no report of any casualty so far.

The fire was first traced at a multi-storied building and soon spread to the shops located nearby, the sources said.

Firefighters alleged local people prevented firetenders from reaching the area, charging them with arriving late.

However, the police helped disperse the crowd to facilitate smooth firefighting operation, the sources said.

The cause of the fire and extent of damage were not immediately known.

Police cordoned off the entire area close to M G Road to keep the crowd at bay.

PTI