Bhubaneswar, March 20 -- A major fire broke out at the Mahabir Market Complex near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar on Friday, triggering panic among shopkeepers, employees, and local residents in the busy commercial hub.

According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. The blaze reportedly started on the first floor of the building and rapidly spread to adjacent shops, intensifying within a short span. Thick smoke engulfed the area, reducing visibility and posing challenges for initial firefighting operations.

The market complex houses several commercial establishments, including bank ATMs, garment shops, plastic goods stores and other retail outlets. Sources indicated that goods and property wor...