KATHMANDU: A fire caused by a short circuit gutted five shops at Tokha, Samakhusi in Kathmandu.

The fire that spread from a cloth shop at Samakhusi Chowk destroyed four other shops, including three food shops and a vegetable grocery, police said.

The fire was taken under control with the joint efforts of Nepal Police, Armed Police, fire engines and water tankers, according to police.

The fire destroyed a physical property of Rs 1.5 million.