Property worth around Rs 1.3 million was reduced to ashes when a fire broke out at a cotton store in Janakpur on Tuesday night.

The blaze engulfed the cotton store belonging to Mohammad Ayub Hussein of Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City-16, informed police.

The cause behind the fire was electric short circuit, according to police.

The fire was later taken under control with the help of a fire engine, police and locals.