Surat Police Launch Investigation After CCTV Exposes Deliberate Arson Attempt at Textile Market
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A dramatic twist has emerged in the investigation into the horrific fire that destroyed a major section of the Shyam Sangini Textile Market in Surat’s Saroli area, with CCTV footage revealing the blaze was deliberately set by an unknown arsonist.
The incident, which destroyed property and goods worth tens of crores, was initially suspected to be an accidental outbreak. However, security camera footage recovered by the authorities shows an unidentified individual intentionally igniting the complex on the night of September 9, turning the case into a high-profile criminal conspiracy investigation.
Police have registered a criminal case following the discovery of the video evidence and launched a widespread manhunt to apprehend the culprit.
Over 10 Shops Reduced to Ashes in ₹30-Crore Destruction
The market, situated in the sprawling commercial hub of Saroli, serves as a key centre for the city's famous textile trade. The fire has dealt a severe economic blow to local merchants, leaving more than 10 shops completely gutted and reduced to ashes.
Commercial inventory, expensive woven fabrics, and structural fittings inside the damaged units were totally destroyed. Market traders estimate the total collective financial loss between ₹25 crore and ₹30 crore.
36-Hour Battle by 200 Firefighters
The emergency began late on the night of September 9 when a sudden blaze was reported to the city's fire control room. Emergency dispatchers initially deployed six fire engines to the location.
Upon reaching the scene, officers encountered intense flames spreading rapidly through the commercial structures. Recognizing the sheer scale and severity of the situation, senior officials immediately declared a full 'brigade call' to mobilize emergency teams, appliances, and backup units from stations across the city.
More than 200 firefighting personnel were drafted into the operations, working continuously in high-risk conditions to contain the raging flames. Emergency teams struggled for nearly 36 hours, using heavy water streams to continuously douse the structure before the fire was brought fully under control.
Police Hunt for Suspect and Conspiracy Motive
With the accidental fire theory ruled out, Surat Police have turned their focus toward a full-fledged arson investigation.
Detectives are currently conducting an intensive review of all available CCTV footage from inside the Shyam Sangini market and surrounding access routes in Saroli. Officers are working to trace the movements of the suspect captured in the footage, while investigating all possible angles behind the attack, including targeted commercial sabotage, personal animosity, or broader conspiratorial motives.
