Fire breaks out at KCR's 7-crore 'Yagnam Pandal'

Medak: On the last day of the five-day ceremony, a major fire broke out at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's pandal of 'Ayutha Chandi Maha Yagnam’ here on Sunday. 

Among other dignitaries, President Pranab Mukherjee and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu were scheduled to visit the venue today to attend the 'Maha Yagnam' ceremony.

Four fire tenders were rushed at the spot immediately. No casualties have been reported so far.

According to media reports, massive arrangements were made for the 'Yagam' in the sprawling premises at Rao's farm house at Erravelli village in Medak district. 

About 2,000 priests from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were taking part in the mega event.

The 'Ayutha Chandi Maha Yagam', being performed by KCR for people's welfare, began on Wednesday at his farm house in neighbouring Medak district, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition BJP and CPI(M) which accused him of misusing government machinery and wasting public money.

Rao, however, dismissed the charge, claiming that no government money was being spent for the 'Yagam' (ritual).