At least 12 tin-shed shops were destroyed in a fire at a local market in Amarkantak town, located in Madhya Pradesh's Anuppur district, on Tuesday. The incident escalated when angry shop owners allegedly vandalized a firefighting vehicle, accusing the team of delayed response.

The fire, which reportedly began due to a short circuit in one shop, quickly spread to adjacent eateries. Shop owners, workers, and locals attempted to douse the flames with water before the Fire Department arrived.

Although firefighters managed to control the blaze, shop owners expressed their frustration, alleging negligence and delayed arrival. The situation turned chaotic, forcing the firefighting team to retreat for safety.

A video circulating on social media shows the vandalized firefighting vehicle. Local police later arrived to restore order and began identifying individuals involved in the violence.

"No casualties were reported in the incident," police said, adding that a complaint has been filed by the Fire Department. "Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a short circuit. Further details will emerge as the inquiry progresses."

Authorities also stated that action would be taken against individuals running shops without mandatory approvals. Officials from the district administration inspected the scene to assess damages and legal compliance.

This incident follows another major fire earlier this month on December 5, which broke out in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.