Surat Textile Market Fire: Ex-Accountant Torches Former Workplace Over ₹10,000 Salary Dispute, Causes ₹24-Crore Loss | Video

A former accountant ignited a fire at Shyam Sangini Textile Market in Surat on September 9, resulting in losses worth nearly Rs 24 crore, according to police. The incident occurred over a dispute concerning a Rs 10,000 unpaid salary. Vinod Savle, a 33-year-old from Dhule, Maharashtra, was apprehended by the Surat Crime Branch on Monday.

During questioning by investigators, Savle disclosed that he conducted the act to seek revenge against his former employer, Hanuman Prasad Zawar, and another accountant for repeated mistreatment and alleged negligence over his salary. Upon resigning, Savle claimed that Rs 10,000 was still outstanding. Police traced Savle using CCTV recordings and information obtained from informants.

He reportedly acquired petrol from a fuel station on September 8 and transported it in a plastic bag before setting fire to goods outside his former workplace. The blaze extended to nearby shops belonging to four textile traders, causing damages estimated at Rs 6 crore for Zawar, Rs 2 crore for Abhishek Soni, Rs 12 crore for Anurag Jalan, and Rs 4 crore for Hariprasad Zawar.

After realizing he was under suspicion, Savle deactivated his phone and fled Surat, traveling to Rajasthan, Ayodhya, and various locations in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra before returning to Surat after 12 days. Upon his return, police arrested him with around Rs 13,000 in his possession.