"On Tuesday night, a fire broke out at the closed Viratnagar Jute Mills. It is Nepal's first industry established in Ward No. 16 of Viratnagar Municipality.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ranjankumar Dahal of Morang, the fire caused damage equivalent to around 20 million. The cause of the fire in the closed industry is not yet known. Police sources mentioned that it seemed like someone had intentionally set fire, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
"There is no possibility of an electric short circuit at the place where the fire started," said the police source. "Since the incident is suspicious, an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause."
The fire started suddenly around 9 PM from the 'Swapanar Bleaching Department' of the closed jute mill. Raw materials used to make jute bags caught fire, according to the information provided by the police. Damage has also been caused to two old machines of the mill.
Established in Vikram Samvat 1993, the Viratnagar Jute Mill was Nepal's first industry. The mill has been closed since Magh of 2078 BS. After the government showed interest in restarting closed industries, the Indian business group, Birla Group, had evaluated the situation of the mill.
With the cooperation of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local residents, and the Viratnagar Municipality's fire brigade, the fire was brought under control around 1 AM on Wednesday."