Surat police suspect foul play in textile building fire, man ‘with face covered’ in question

Surat police have registered an offense against an unidentified individual in connection with a suspected arson at the Shyam Sangini Textile Market. CCTV footage captured a man with his face obscured entering the sixth floor of the market shortly after midnight, staying for nearly four minutes. At least 16 shops, valued at Rs 24 crore, were destroyed, containing finished textile goods ready for Diwali.

The man allegedly entered the market at 12:20 am, carried a bag, and reached the sixth floor via elevator. He poured a liquid onto packed parcels on the passage, ignited it with a matchstick, and exited the market at 12:24 am. Police booked the suspect under BNS 326, relating to mischief caused by fire or explosive substances, and initiated an investigation.

Police interrogated the suspect, questioning three potential scenarios: the suspect may have lost their job, the fire could have been premeditated, or there might be business rivalry. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect.