Ludhiana, April 15 -- Two garment shops were charred in a massive fire that broke out at the bustling Gandhinagar market in Fatehgarh Mohalla around 5.40 pm on Monday, officials from the fire department said.

According to locals, panic gripped the crowded commercial area as thick plumes of smoke rose from the burning shops. Nearby shopkeepers and residents rushed out of their establishments as the flames spread rapidly.

Sub-fire officer Aatish Rai said the prima facie of the incident appears to be a short circuit. "We received a call around 5.45 pm and immediately dispatched three fire tenders to the site. It took us nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control," he said.

Fire officials noted that the blaze was not severe and was br...