Bhatkal: A scrap shop was gutted as fire broke out in the backyard of the shop at Purvarga, Ganesh Nagar, NH 66 in Bhatkal at noon on 26th April, Wednesday. It is suspected that some miscreants might have deliberately set the shop on fire.

According to the sources, the fire was reported at 'RRR plastic traders' at noon when people noticed the smoke coming out from the shop. Locals who noticed the fire rushed to extinguish the same but it was in vain.

The fire Brigade arrived and after four rounds of 5000 litres of water, they were able to take control of the fire. Most of the goods in the scrap shop had been completely destroyed by then. The fire brigade ensured that the fire did not spread to other places.

A big crowd had gathered outside the shop and timely interference by the fire officials averted any more possible damage.

Though the shutter at the front was untouched, the fire is said to have emerged from the yard where most of the scrap goods were stored. It is reported that the fire has gutted goods worth lakhs. The shop belongs to Abdul Razzak K Beary, who departed for Makkah to perform Umrah two days back.

The relatives of the owner suggest that this may be the task of some miscreants who must have set the shop on fire realizing that Razzak was not in town.

A case has been filed at Bhatkal Town Police Station.