Kupwara restaurant owners set building ablaze for insurance money

KUPWARA — Two individuals from Kupwara have been apprehended in connection with a tragic fire incident that claimed the life of a non-local resident earlier this month.

According to reliable sources cited by a local news agency, the suspects, proprietors of a restaurant within a three-storied shopping complex in Kupwara’s Batergam area, allegedly set the building ablaze intentionally in an attempt to collect insurance money. This act followed their failure to repay a bank loan.

The blaze resulted in the death of Muhammad Feroz Alam, an embroiderer from West Bengal, who resided on the third floor of the complex. Police authorities, acting swiftly, resolved the case within a week, apprehending the two individuals involved.

A police official disclosed that following intensive interrogation, Abrar and Zakir, the proprietors of the restaurant, emerged as prime suspects. Upon further investigation, both individuals confessed to their involvement in the arson, leading to their arrest.