Bengaluru: A fire broke out in an automobile store on JC Road Saturday night, causing losses estimated to run up to Rs 4 crore, as per the shopowner. There were no casualties. Police suspect it was caused by a short circuit.

Fire and emergency officials used a backhoe to break the shutter and walls of the shop to extinguish the fire at Associate Bearing Corporation. According to a complaint filed by the shopowner, Paresh Bajaj, 47, the incident took place around 8.30pm. Bajaj has been running his business in a building rented from New India Electrical Company for the past two years. The shop consists of a ground floor, mezzanine floor, and first floor, covering a total area of 4,000 sqft.They conduct wholesale business related to bearings for all types of vehicles, industrial bearings, blocks, sleeves, V-belts, grease, steel balls, and other equipment. The shop was closed around 7.30pm. Bajaj claimed they turned off all the electrical switches and computers before locking the shop and returning home. Around 8.15pm, a neighbouring shopkeeper called and informed Bajaj there was smoke coming from his shop. Bajaj rushed to the shop to find it surrounded by thick smoke. Police and fire and emergency workers were already at the spot trying to extinguish the blaze. Five fire tenders were pressed into operation, and the fire was brought under control around 1.30am. However, smoke was seen even on Sunday as the steel materials were gutted in the fire.