MARGAO: Household items, gold, cash and two wheelers were gutted in a fire which broke out on Tuesday night at Vaswado, near Benaulim beach. 

The estimated loss is more than Rs 50 lakh as four houses were reduced to ashes in the fire. Occupants suspect sabotage behind the incident. The fire which broke out at around 10.30 pm was small which the occupants tried to douse. 

As the houses were near the beach, due to strong wind the fire went out of control. Margao fire brigade was alerted at 12.05 midnight who rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. Eight trips of fire tenders were used to douse the fire, one vehicle which was on duty got stuck in sand.