Salim Javed & Vikramaditya
Rangat, Oct. 27: A major breakthrough has been made in connection with the devastating fire that gutted 18 shops and three houses in the Rangat main market during the early hours of October 27, around 01.00 AM.
Meanwhile, Police has reportedly detained one suspect in this case, based on CCTV footage obtained from the area.
The massive fire, which started in one of the wooden shops, quickly spread across the congested marketplace, reducing several business establishments and homes to ashes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the loss of property has been estimated to be in lakhs of rupees. Eyewitnesses stated that the timely response of the fire service team prevented the flames from spreading to nearby residential buildings, which could have led to a larger tragedy.
The incident sparked outrage among local residents, who staged a road blockade (chakka jam) this morning demanding immediate action and a transparent investigation into the cause of the fire.
According to sources, initial investigation revealed suspicious traces near the site, leading police to suspect foul play. CCTV footage later showed a man near the market area around the time the fire broke out. Interestingly, the arrested suspect was also the first person to reach the police station to report the incident, which raised further suspicion. More details are awaited.
