Kolkata: Twenty-five people trapped in a raging fire in a three-storied complex in Burrabazar, city's biggest business hub, have been rescued on December 21 morning, deputy commissioner of police Zulfikar Hasan said.

Director general (DG) of police (fire services) Balkar Singh said nearly 30 fire tenders, had been battling the blaze since nearly 1:00 am (IST). The fire had been contained after a grim five-hour battle but the flames were yet to be doused, Singh said.

The DG said there was no casualty. Those rescued had sustained minor injuries.

However, tension prevailed in the area and police had been deployed in strength there, the DG said.

Singh said the premises on congested Mahatma Gandhi road in Central Kolkata had a mixed occupancy with godowns containing highly combustible material such as cotton and woollen. The first floor housed offices and stores while the top floor was being used for residential purpose.

He said a number of gas cylinders in the residences on the top floor exploded during the fire and help spread the flames.

The DG said fire fighters rushed to the building soon after the fire was noticed a little after 1.00 am (IST). When they arrived the entire building was in flames and the fire had spread to the shops located nearby.

He said initially 20 fire tenders rushed to the area. They were soon followed by 10 others.

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

Fire fighters alleged that local people prevented fire tenders from reaching the area accusing them of arriving late.

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

Police cordoned off the entire area to keep the crowd at bay.

The deputy mayor Mina Devi Purohit alleged that the fire brigade had arrived late. Five houses were gutted in the premises, she said.

She demanded that the state government conduct an inquiry.

Tapas Ray, Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), also demanded a state inquiry.

He said local people, the fire brigade and police did their best and saved lives but the way such fires were occuring, an inquiry should be conducted.

He held out the possibility of a 'conspiracy' and urged the government to take cognizance of such fires and to book the persons found guilty.

PTI