Mangalore: A raging fire seen around Wednesday early hours, before dawn at 4-45AM, this morning (Feb.1 –Wednesday), burnt dawn 4 shops at Thokkottu, near Ullal.

It is suspected by police that the 4 petty shops in a row were deliberately subjected to arson but the cause needs to be ascertained.

They belonged to Ibrahim Haneef, Podiyaka and Kamalaksha, so it is not communally motivated.

The shops were charred. The merchants stocked vegetables and fruits for sale there.

Two fire engines were pressed into service amidst winds, and the fire was controlled. Ullal police have reached the spot for inspection, and to ascertain losses to the vendors.