A major fire broke out at Machhapada village under Delanga block of Puri district late on Monday night destroying 21 houses and rendering 11 families homeless.
Locals stated that the fire mishap was the result of a past enmity between Halu Mohanty and Bhagirathi Swain of the village. A dispute has been prevailing between the two; and Mohanty scolded Swain on this score on Monday evening. Mohanty and his associates set the house of Swain on fire, following which the flames engulfed adjacent houses, the villagers alleged.
Properties worth lakhs of rupees including food grains and valuables were reduced to ashes in the blaze. Being informed, Fire Services personnel reached the spot and doused the flames after a five hours of effort.
Police detained a person for questioning in connection with the incident.