Surat: Investigators are trying to identify the arsonist of the Shyam Sangini market fire, who was captured on CCTV footage but had covered his face with a handkerchief.Four traders have reported losses worth Rs 24 crore after 17 shops were gutted in the incident.Saroli police registered an FIR on Thursday on finding that the fire was deliberate. Investigators found that the suspect appeared familiar with the market’s rules and operations. He entered the market at around 9pm on Tuesday, before entry for new visitors was closed.According to the investigation, the man, dressed in formal clothes and carrying a bag, remained inside the market for three hours. He moved through various parts of the premises and kept his face covered with a handkerchief.Around 12.20am on Wednesday, he went to the sixth floor and sprayed a flammable substance on textile goods before setting them on fire. The flammable material was reportedly carried in his bag. After igniting the blaze, he left the market around 12.24am and sped away on a motorcycle.The FIR states that four traders, owning 17 shops, suffered losses worth Rs 24 crore in the fire. Shops numbered 601 to 617 were destroyed. They belong to Hanumanprasad Zawar, Abhishek Soni, Anurag Jalan and Hariprasad Zawar, who reported losses of Rs 6 crore, Rs 2 crore, Rs 12 crore and Rs 4 crore respectively.Deputy commissioner of police (Zone 2) Kanan Desai told TOI, “We have formed teams to identify the accused. We are analysing his details based on human and technical surveillance. We hope to nab him soon.”Police have also begun questioning traders to identify the suspect and establish a possible motive. Investigators are examining several angles, including business rivalry, the involvement of a disgruntled employee and insurance-related factors. They are also probing if the suspect acted on instructions from another person.
