In New Market, which has 900 shops, 400 street vendors have encroached upon the area. The fire brigade was late in extinguishing the fire at the shops, and they couldn't find a way; it took them 25-30 minutes to arrive.

A fire broke out in the New Market, one of the most bustling and crowded areas in Bhopal, on Thursday, quickly spreading to a massive scale. The fire, which started from a Balaji Chole-Bhature shop behind the Khedapati Hanuman temple, spread upwards and engulfed five to six four-story shops in the area. The Diwali stock stored in mobile phone, kurta-pajama, utensil, and readymade garment shops was gutted. The fire also affected 10-12 rehris (small shops) located nearby.