The recent incident at Surat’s Shyam Sangini Textile Market highlights a severe case of arson allegedly instigated by an employee over a dispute regarding Rs 10,000. The fire, which occurred on September 9, has resulted in extensive damage, with estimates putting the loss at approximately Rs 24 crore. Authorities concluded that the blaze was a deliberate act, rather than an accident as initially presumed. The fire led to the destruction of 14 shops and a significant loss of textiles.

Arrest of the Suspect

The Surat Crime Branch has arrested 33-year-old Vinod Pandit Sawale in connection with this arson. Allegedly, Sawale was employed as an accountant at a shop on the market’s sixth floor, earning a salary of around Rs 30,000 monthly. The dispute concerning his unpaid dues reportedly led to his dismissal and subsequent anger, motivating him to plan the act of arson.

Investigators revealed that this was not Sawale’s first attempt; he allegedly had a previous unsuccessful try to ignite the shop. Police investigations indicated that on the night of the incident, Sawale acquired petrol worth Rs 150 from a local petrol station. He entered the market around 9 pm on September 8, equipped with the fuel concealed in a plastic bag and a bottle.

He waited until the market was deserted before executing his plans, dousing textile parcels in petrol and setting them alight before escaping the scene. The rapid spread of the flames led to the loss of numerous businesses within the market. Firefighters spent approximately 38 hours combating the blaze, showcasing the scale of the damage caused by this incident.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Following the incident, the Saroli Police initiated an investigation and registered a case against an unidentified individual. Surveillance footage from over 1,500 CCTV cameras, part of Surat Police’s ‘Vishwas Project’ Phase 2, played a crucial role in identifying the suspect. Investigators meticulously tracked Sawale’s movements, piecing together his entry and exit routes before ultimately identifying him as the arsonist.

After becoming aware that the police were investigating him, Sawale allegedly fled Surat with his family. He travelled first to Rajasthan’s Khatu Shyam temple and subsequently to Ayodhya. Upon his return to Surat, police obtained information about his location, leading to his arrest nearby Flower Garden in Dindoli as part of security measures for the Ganpati festival.

Authorities subsequently transferred him to Saroli Police Station for further questioning. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are scrutinising the actions of the petrol pump operator who allegedly sold Sawale the fuel. In addition, the police are focusing on gathering detailed information concerning Sawale’s motives and the logistics behind procuring the petrol.

Impact on the Local Business Community

The aftermath of the fire has raised significant concerns within the local business community, particularly regarding the safety measures in place at the market. Surat Additional Police Commissioner Karanraj Vaghela confirmed that the arson has resulted in an estimated loss of around Rs 25 crore.

With the local economy reliant on textile production and sales, the destruction has far-reaching consequences for shop owners and employees alike. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the damages and to prevent future incidents.

This case serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how unresolved disputes can escalate into severe criminal actions with significant repercussions. As investigations continue, both law enforcement and community members will be watching closely to see how authorities address the prevailing issues of safety and security in commercial areas.

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