RAJBIRAJ: Property worth around Rs 2 million were destroyed in a fire that broke out at a furniture factory in Balan Bihu Rural Municipality-3 of Saptari district last night.

According to police, the fire that started with an electric short-circuit yesterday at the furniture factory operated by Siyaram Sharma in Chaudhary Yadav's house at Mauwaha Chowk burnt the tables, chairs, cupboards and other properties housed inside to cinders.

The fire spread from the factory and destroyed seven houses in the neighbourhood including the house belonging to Dev Narayan Safi, three houses belonging to Jivchha Safi, two houses of Laxmi Safi, and one house of Chandreshwar Yadav, informed the Belhi Area Police Office.

The fire also gutted properties including food stocks, clothing, jewelleries and cash in the burnt houses, informed Area Police Office, Kadarbona.

Police with the help of locals and fire engines from Rajbiraj doused the fire.

Meanwhile, further investigation into the case is underway, said police.