Cane Grove supermarket fire confirmed as arson

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the fire that destroyed the Congenial Supermarket on November 2nd in Cane Grove, Mahaica was a case of arson.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told Stabroek News on Tuesday that while they had initially suspected that it was a case of arson, their investigation confirmed that the fire was ignited in the business.

The owner of the supermarket, Shivram Itawaru, told Stabroek News on Tuesday that two suspects were arrested during the week but were subsequently released on station bail as the Guyana Police Force continues their investigation.

Itawaru had initially suspected that his supermarket was torched because of current land disputes that he has.  After his investigation of his stocks in the supermarket, Itawaru said that the perpetrators also escaped with goods. He pointed out that they escaped with  alcohol and perfumes and other goods. “So it seems like robbery at this point too,” he said.