A major fire broke out in Uzan Bazar market here gutting over 50 shops and destroyed property worth over Rs two crore but there was no casualty.
According to police, the fire broke out around midnight last night and soon spread to other shops. The market is located in the courtyard of Guwahati Municipality office complex where temporary sheds of wood and tin roofing have been set up to house the shops.
At least, 14 fire engines battled till this morning to douse the flames, the police said, adding that it has now been contained.
It is suspected that the blaze started from an electrical short circuit and burnt down cooperative stores, shops selling stationery goods, puja items, besides fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish.
Uzan Bazar is a residential-cum-commercial hub with major tourist, historical and religious sites and is one of the oldest settlements in the city along Brahmaputra river.