A massive fire broke out at a fish market in Matiala near Uttam Nagar in west Delhi around midnight between Wednesday and Thursday, officials said. The blaze quickly spread through the market area, engulfing several shops and prompting an extensive firefighting response.

According to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), a distress call about the incident was received at 11.55 pm. Soon after, 23 fire tenders were dispatched to the spot to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas.

As per a report by the Hindustan Times, the police said that several shops were gutted in the blaze. A few huts located close to the market are also suspected to have been damaged. However, no casualties have been reported so far.

Also Read | ‘No need to panic’: PM Modi responds to LPG shortage rumours amid West Asia conflict

Authorities added that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. An investigation is expected to establish what triggered the blaze.

Incident comes after recent tension in area

The market is located a few kilometres away from Uttam Nagar, where tensions were reported earlier this month following the death of a 26-year-old man during Holi celebrations.

Police said Tarun, 26, allegedly died after being beaten on March 4 following a dispute triggered by a water-filled balloon during Holi in JJ Colony.

According to investigators, the confrontation began when water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family splashed onto a woman from a neighbouring household, leading to a clash between the two groups.

The violence resulted in vandalism and arson in the locality, prompting authorities to tighten security and deploy additional police personnel.

Also Read | PM Modi assures support for Indians stuck in West Asia, thanks Gulf nations for ‘utmost care’ for expats

Police clarify rumours on juvenile

Delhi Police on Wednesday also addressed rumours circulating on social media claiming that a juvenile linked to the murder case had gone missing.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said the claim was incorrect. He stated that the minor had already been apprehended on March 5 and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, following which the individual was sent to an observation home as per procedure.

"Spreading false rumours is a criminal act and renders one liable to be prosecuted", the DCP said, adding that authorities are keeping a watch on social media platforms to trace those responsible for circulating misleading information.

Police said 16 people have been apprehended in the case so far, including 14 adults and two juveniles. Relevant sections related to murder along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked.