A massive fire erupted at Mahavir Market Complex near CRP Square on Friday, sparking panic among shoppers and locals in the busy commercial hub.
Sources reported that the blaze began inside a gift shop on the first floor late Thursday night. Shopkeepers discovered the fire around 9 a.m. Friday when they arrived to open their stores. Thick smoke filled the complex, making entry difficult for firefighters.
Four firefighting teams with 40 personnel rushed to the scene. They deployed water tankers and worked for hours to bring the flames under control. Despite their efforts, 15 shops—including bookshops, clothing outlets, medicine stores, and electrical shops—were gutted. An SBI ATM inside the complex also sustained damage.
Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze. Investigators are assessing the extent of damage and checking whether fire safety measures were in place at the complex.
This incident highlights recurring fire risks in Bhubaneswar’s crowded markets, where shops often store combustible materials. Similar fires recently struck Unit-1 Market, Tarini Market, and a four-storey super mart at Lingipur, raising concerns about safety standards in commercial spaces.
