GUWAHATI, INDIA — Panic gripped the bustling commercial hub of Maligaon on Tuesday afternoon; June 23, 2026 after a fierce fire broke out in close proximity to the landmark Aruna Cinema Hall. Thick, billowing clouds of black smoke filled the air, sparking immediate alarm among shopkeepers, theatergoers, and commuters along the busy Maligaon road.

According to initial reports from local authorities, the fire originated at a commercial property situated just meters away from the iconic cinema hall. Given the dense layout of the market area, the flames threatened to spread rapidly to adjacent business establishments and the theater structure itself.

Witnesses reported a sudden surge of heat followed by heavy smoke erupting from the building, causing pedestrians and motorists to scramble for safety. "We were inside the market when people started shouting about a fire near Aruna Cinema," a local shop owner recounted. "Everyone was terrified that it would reach the cinema hall or cause a massive chain reaction in the commercial block."

Upon receiving the emergency call, the Fire and Emergency Services, alongside local police teams, rushed multiple fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters immediately set up a defensive perimeter to isolate the blaze and prevent it from breaching the walls of the Aruna Cinema Hall and surrounding retail complexes.

Thanks to the swift deployment and aggressive containment strategy of the emergency crews, the fire was successfully brought under control. While the targeted commercial building sustained significant damage, the cinema hall itself was spared from the flames.

Initial assessments indicate that there have been no major casualties or severe injuries resulting from the incident, as nearby buildings were quickly evacuated when the smoke first appeared.

The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation. While authorities suspect a potential electrical short circuit or an commercial appliance malfunction, an official inquiry has been launched to determine the precise trigger behind the scare.