Sharad ChandraDhanbad: Panic gripped the Bank More area of Dhanbad on Wednesday after a massive fire broke out at a prominent sweet shop located in front of the Central Gurudwara under Bank More police station area. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control after nearly two hours of efforts.According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around 7 am when smoke suddenly started billowing out of the shop. Soon, the flames engulfed the entire establishment, destroying goods and equipment kept inside. Locals immediately informed the fire department, following which two fire tenders were pressed into service.Shop owner Bablu claimed that the fire was caused by a short circuit. He said, “All items stored inside the shop were reduced to ashes. I have incurred loss to the tune of nearly Rs 5 lakh.”However, locals claimed that the fire may have started due to leakage from a gas cylinder while oil was being heated inside the shop. Residents also alleged that large illegal stoves were regularly installed outside the shop, posing a serious threat to public safety.Fire officer Laxman Prasad said, “Two fire engines were deployed and the blaze was controlled after nearly two hours.” Authorities have started an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.