Mohali: Several shops were gutted after a fire swept through a market in Baltana in the early hours of Saturday, with police probing allegations that the blaze was triggered after unidentified persons set two motorcycles on fire following a personal rivalry.The incident caused losses worth several lakhs of rupees to shopkeepers. Baltana police have registered a case against unidentified persons and launched an investigation.According to a complaint filed by Rajiv Babbar, owner of Babbar Jewellers, local residents reported that two groups were involved in multiple altercations Friday night. The dispute allegedly involved Mayank, Shivi and some unidentified youths.Police said around 3.30am, two motorcycles parked outside the residence of Mayank and Shivi were allegedly set ablaze by unidentified persons. The flames reportedly spread rapidly to the adjoining market, engulfing several shops.While locals suspect arson linked to the earlier dispute, police said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established and remains under investigation.The blaze destroyed shop inventories, furniture and other valuables, with affected traders claiming losses running into several lakhs of rupees.
