A private cardboard recycling unit cum godown at V.C. Mottur village near Walajah town in Ranipet was gutted after fire broke out in the facility on Thursday.

The police said that it was around 4 a.m when a few night shift workers in the unit noticed thick smoke coming from the godown. Along with other workers, they tried to douse the fire but the fire spread to the entire godown.

On being informed, fire fighters from SIPCOT, Ranipet, Katpadi, and Cheyyar reached the spot and doused the fire.

Estimates of destroyed goods in the godown are being done.

A case was registered. The police said that an electrical short circuit could be the reason for the accident. A probe is under way.