Fire guts over a hundred shops in Gwalior

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), June 5 (ANI): Over a hundred shops were burnt down after a major fire broke out at Victoria Market in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior city on Saturday morning.

Property worth millions was gutted in the devastating fire that broke out at around 3 a.m.

"There was a short circuit in the temple behind the market and I think this led to fire in the market. There was no fire brigade or any government officials for an hour. Only one fire brigade reached the spot after an hour and that too was half-empty," said Shiv Arora, a shopkeeper.

Several fire engines were pressed into action to douse the fire.

The government has announced a relief amount of Rs 21,000 for every shopkeeper.

"Each affected shopkeeper will be given Rs 21,000 as a relief amount. A survey will be conducted so that they get sufficient relief amount, which will help them start their business again," said Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

No casualty was, however, reported in the incident. (ANI)