KHOTANG: A massive fire broke out in Khotang district headquarters, Diktel, on Thursday afternoon.

While attempts to contain the fire are underway, preliminary estimates suggested that valuables worth Rs 50 millions were reduced to ashes.

No human casualty has been reported so far.

Five houses were completely burned down in Diktel-2.

The fire had began from a cloth shop of one Hiralal Puri in Diktel-2.

Security personnel of Nepal Police, Nepal Army and Armed Police Force as well as locals have been mobilised to douse the inferno.

Police said they are yet to establish actual cause behind the incident. However, police suspected that an electronic short circuit caused the blaze.

Assistant Chief District Officer Dinesh Kumal said the administration would support the victims at its best.

Nepali Congress district president Bishnu Kumar Rai all major political parties in the district would launch a joint campaign to help the victims.