The temporary residence of Chakma Raja Debashish Roy in the district was severely damaged by a fire last night.

Dany Chakma, a staff of the residence, told The Daily Star that the fire broke out at the tin-shed house around 6:30pm and the house was burnt severely before the members of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) could rush to the spot. However, he could not ascertain how the fire originated. But he said fanus, a kind of lantern, lit and released in the sky during the month long festival of Kothin Chibor Dan in the area might be responsible for it.

None was at the house when the fire broke out, he said.

Babul Uddin Sarder, officerin-charge of Rangamati Police Station, said electric shot-circuit mighthave caused thefire.

Bitu Chakma, ward-8 councillor of Rangamati municipality, said the crown and other valuable belongings of the monarchy in the house might have been burnt.

Locals said Raja Debashis oftenresidesinthehouse.

Late Chakma Raja Bhuban Mohan Ray in his book Chakma Raj Bongsher Itihas (History of Chakma Dynasty) mentioned that between 12th century and 1737 Rajbari had been relocated several times within the district. During Pakistan period, Rajbari was relocated to the present place and since then it was there.