SHILLONG: The damage to the five-storey shop gutted by fire allegedly due to arson is around Rs 85 lakh.
Police said the fire broke out at the shop at Iewduh belonging to Rajiv Kumar of Lama Villa at 4 pm on Sunday and goods valued around Rs 85 lakh were destroyed.
The shop was dealing with cosmetic items, which are supplied to other parts of the city.
The shop keeper said that he has been doing business in the area for the last 16 years and there was no disruption in payment of rent.
The shopkeeper said he is at a loss now as the fire incident has affected his business.
“I don’t think I will get any government assistance”, he said.
Police said the probe will look into all angles though the main focus is on arson.
The shop keeper had claimed that four boys came and overpowered him at the shop when he came back to take his charger and two of them went up and later, the fire was noticed.
