Nagpur: What was initially believed to be an accidental fire at a Dharampeth lounge-bar has turned out to be a case of alleged arson, with police arresting two men after CCTV footage revealed the blaze was deliberately set.Investigators said Mohanlal Tiwari, a chef who had earlier worked abroad, allegedly torched the Shivaji Nagar establishment in the early hours of Sunday after he was denied entry on Saturday night. Police said staff became suspicious after noticing chewable pouches in his possession and refused him access to the premises.According to police, Tiwari allegedly siphoned petrol from his own vehicle, sprinkled it in front of the lounge and set it ablaze.Cafe manager Kamaldeep Mitre (42), who had locked the premises and left for home on Saturday night, received a call around 6.45am from owner Harish Gavai informing him about the fire. On reaching the spot, he found extensive damage to the property and later lodged a complaint with Ambazari police.Five air-conditioners worth around Rs 7.5 lakh, sofa sets, lighting fixtures, important documents and other fittings were destroyed in the blaze. Police estimated the total loss at around Rs 9 lakh.Another man, identified as Shubham Vishwakarma, was also captured on CCTV camera and is suspected to have accompanied him.During questioning, Tiwari allegedly claimed he set the lounge on fire to avenge what he described as the management’s overpricing of menu items. However, police are also examining whether being denied entry earlier that night triggered the act.Senior inspector Vinod Godbole said investigators are probing the exact sequence of events leading to the fire and the motive behind the alleged act of sabotage.
