Nine people were killed and several others feared trapped after a major fire broke out in a textile mill in Panipat early on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahinder Kumar said nine bodies have been recovered from the mill and the fire has been brought under control. However, several people were still feared trapped inside the mill.

The police suspect that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Fire tenders from Panipat and nearby areas were pressed into service to bring the fire under control.

Kumar said that the factory owner has been arrested and a case registered against him.