A dispute over ₹10,000 in unpaid wages allegedly led a former accountant to set fire to a textile establishment in Gujarat’s Surat, gutting stock estimated at ₹24 crore. Police arrested the accused, identified as Rajasthan resident Vinod Sawle, after reviewing surveillance footage from the commercial complex. The fire broke out at Jagdamba Textiles, situated on the sixth floor of the Shyam Sangini textile market on Surat-Baroda Road, shortly after trading hours had concluded.
Resignation and salary dispute
Investigators stated that Sawle, who had studied up to Class 12, worked at the shop handling accounting duties for a monthly salary of ₹30,000. He resigned from the position in June, but an outstanding salary balance of around ₹10,000 remained unpaid. The pending dues triggered repeated disagreements between Sawle and the textile trader as the former employee demanded his settlement.
Last week, following the closure of the market, Sawle allegedly returned to the sixth floor of the premises. According to police, he poured petrol over the stored fabric rolls and ignited them. The flames rapidly engulfed the commercial unit, prompting an emergency response from local fire crews. A substantial portion of the merchandise was destroyed before responders could extinguish the blaze, with preliminary estimates placing the damage at ₹24 crore.
Tracking the suspect through surveillance
Security cameras operating inside and around the shop captured the alleged arson, enabling investigators to identify Sawle as the primary suspect. Following the incident, the accused fled Surat and traveled across multiple states, visiting Khatu Shyamji in Rajasthan, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, and locations in Maharashtra.
Police tracked his movements and detained him upon his return to Surat two days prior to his formal arrest. During questioning, officers sought details regarding the full chain of events surrounding the blaze, the dispute over his back pay, and the exact sequence of his movements before and after the incident.
Probe into financial damage and entry access
The investigation has now turned to determining how Sawle procured the petrol and gained unauthorized entry into the premises after hours. Police are also examining whether the accused received external assistance or remained in communication with any associates while planning and executing the act.
Market authorities and investigators are carrying out a detailed assessment of the charred inventory to establish the verified financial loss. While the dispute centered on an unpaid sum of ₹10,000, it culminated in multi-crore property damage, and the accused remains in custody as the probe continues.
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