Man held for arson, 7.5L theft at Bhestan madrassa

Surat: Bhestan police have arrested a 52-year-old man for allegedly setting a madrassa office on fire and stealing Rs 7.5 lakh in cash.According to the FIR, complainant Raees Pathan (60), secretary of Darul Uloom Gousiya Lilbanat madrassa in Bhestan, was informed about a fire at the premises around 4am on Tuesday. After the blaze was brought under control, he found that documents, computers and furniture in the office and adjoining rooms were gutted. He owns a transport business in Surat.Pathan initially suspected a short circuit and believed the cash kept in a cupboard may have been destroyed. However, he later noticed that the CCTV DVR had been removed from its original position, raising suspicion.He then checked CCTV footage from a mosque located opposite the madrassa, which showed a man entering the building around 2.30 am and leaving shortly before the fire broke out. He subsequently informed the police.During investigation, police identified the accused as Abdul Manihar, who allegedly trespassed into the premises, set the office on fire and stole Rs 7.5 lakh. Police suspect the fire was deliberately set to cover up the theft.Police inspector Alpesh Gabani said the accused had a quarrel with the madrassa manager about a month ago and both parties had approached the police station, but no formal complaint was filed and the matter was settled. Police are probing the exact motive behind the incident.During preliminary investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly given around Rs 3 lakh to two of his acquaintances. He was previously involved in the scrap business and currently runs a perfume shop.