TORONTO (Diya TV) — Two Indian restaurants in Scarborough, Canada were destroyed in separate overnight fires just 24 hours apart, in what police and community members suspect were deliberate acts of arson.
The first fire ignited early Friday morning at Shaaz Indian Cuisine, located at 2300 Lawrence Avenue East. Less than a day later, flames tore through Bisi Bisi, a newly opened restaurant at 1198 Kennedy Road. Surveillance footage from the second fire appears to show two individuals breaking into the premises before one of them ignites an object and hurls it inside, sparking a powerful blaze. Both suspects fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.
Toronto police say they are investigating both incidents and believe the fires were set intentionally. However, they have yet to confirm if the two crimes are directly linked.
“This was not an accident. All levels of evidence indicate that this incident was a deliberate and cowardly act of arson,” said Rajesh Kumar, a lawyer representing the owners of both establishments, in an interview with CityNews. “What is shocking is the audacity and the lack of deference to the rule of law that criminals can wander in and set establishments on fire, two nights in a row.”
According to Kumar, the two restaurants share ownership. While Shaaz Indian Cuisine has long served as a pillar of the local South Asian community, Bisi Bisi had only just opened its doors a week before it was gutted.
“This was not an attack on a business but a violation of safety and trust in our community,” Kumar said. Surrounding businesses are also feeling the impact. Yara Doleh, who operates Unique Books just doors away from Bisi Bisi, described the aftermath as devastating.
“When I first opened, some people said it’s like an oasis — people come in, they feel rejuvenated,” Doleh told CityNews. “Now, it’s terrible … it’s like a war zone.” Though her bookstore did not catch fire, pervasive smoke damage left her inventory saturated with the smell. “Every single book smells like smoke. I smell like smoke now,” she said.
City councillor Michael Thompson condemned the incidents and emphasized the emotional and economic toll on the community. He pledged support for affected businesses and said he is working with the local Business Improvement Area (BIA) to develop recovery plans.
“I want to encourage people that once these businesses are open again, we come out and support them,” Thompson told CityNews. “We have to stand together.”
While no injuries were reported, the fires have rattled residents and business owners. Investigators are now reviewing security footage and appealing to the public for any information that could lead to identifying the suspects.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Toronto Police.
