A 49-year-old man has been arrested by DJ Halli Police after he allegedly caused a fire that killed five cows and destroyed multiple properties in Bengaluru.
Police identified the accused as Mohammed Imran.
Fire broke out in early hours
According to investigators, the incident took place in the early hours of April 7. Imran allegedly set fire to a heap of garbage near a cattle shed and a plywood sheet shop.
Officials said the flames spread quickly, engulfing nearby structures and causing large-scale damage before emergency teams could control the blaze.
Five cows charred to death
Tragically, five cows that were sleeping inside the shed were charred to death in the fire.
Authorities also confirmed that two plywood shops, one goods vehicle and four two-wheelers were gutted.
The loss caused by the incident has been estimated at around ₹15.2 lakh.
CCTV footage helped trace accused
Police said they traced the suspect using credible leads and CCTV footage collected from the area.
During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted that he was in the habit of setting garbage heaps on fire and had negligently done so at the location, resulting in the disaster.
Calls for caution grow
The incident has raised concern over the dangerous practice of burning roadside waste in crowded urban areas.
Officials urged residents to avoid open burning, warning that even small fires can rapidly turn deadly when near sheds, shops or vehicles.
Further investigation is underway.