Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Aug 21: A grocery shop was completely gutted after a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, broke out at Bendrala in Thotathady village under Charmady gram panchayat limits late on Wednesday night.

The shop, owned by Bendrala resident Shareef, suddenly caught fire late at night. The flames quickly spread across the shop and the building, prompting local residents to rush to the spot and join efforts to douse the fire.

Their timely intervention helped prevent the flames from spreading further. However, the intensity of the fire destroyed all the grocery items stocked in the shop, along with the building and around Rs 1 lac in cash.

The total loss is estimated to be more than Rs 5 lac.

Gram panchayat officials visited the spot after being informed about the incident and inspected the premises. A short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, and further investigation is under way.