Eighteen days after the devastating Rangat Bazaar fire that razed over a dozen commercial establishments and homes, investigators have revealed new details explaining how the blaze spread so quickly and with such force. Police sources now confirm that strong winds and the wooden structure of the old building where the fire originated, coupled with an LPG cylinder explosion, were key factors that fueled the inferno, which left losses exceeding ₹10 crore and disrupted the commercial lifeline of Rangat.
According to an officer involved in the ongoing investigation, one person has been arrested in connection with the arson, though the specific sections under which the case is being pursued are still under examination. The officer stated that the probe is proceeding “in full swing,” with authorities scrutinizing every possible angle to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Speculation among locals had linked the blaze to illegal alcohol operations and alleged money disputes tied to that network. When asked, the police source clarified that although the arrested individual belongs to a family known for its past involvement in illicit liquor trade, no evidence so far connects the Rangat fire directly to illegal alcohol activity. The officer stressed that while the accused’s family background raised initial suspicions, the investigation remains evidence-driven and has not uncovered any definitive link to the liquor trade.
Reassuring the public, the police emphasized that they remain vigilant about illegal liquor circulation and continue to act promptly on credible information. The department has urged citizens to assist law enforcement by sharing information that could help curb unlawful activities.
The latest developments come as the Rangat community continues its recovery efforts, with affected traders and residents still grappling with the economic fallout. The fire, which broke out on October 26, destroyed 18 commercial establishments, partially damaged three homes, and razed an RCC building belonging to the Murugan Temple Committee. Firefighting teams from the Revenue Department, Fire Service, and Police, supported by private tankers and an excavator from the National Highway authorities, fought the blaze from 1 AM to 6:30 AM, managing to prevent further spread.
Immediately after the incident, Deputy Commissioner (North & Middle Andaman) Sushant Padha, IAS, along with senior officials, conducted a site visit, met victims, and announced a Damage Assessment Committee to evaluate losses and facilitate early compensation. The administration also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the fire and assured rehabilitation and financial support to the victims.
The tragedy, however, triggered widespread public anger and protests, with residents demanding transparency and alleging deliberate arson. The situation escalated until Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray intervened, meeting protestors and assuring that he would take up the issue with higher authorities to ensure a fair investigation. His assurance, along with police commitments, helped restore calm in Rangat.
In the days that followed, State BJP President Anil Kumar Tiwari also visited the site, expressing solidarity with victims and calling for an independent inquiry and interim compensation. Traders’ associations have meanwhile appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s Relief Fund, seeking a special relief package, temporary commercial spaces, and simplified procedures for reissuing licenses and permits lost in the fire.
The Rangat Bazaar community, still struggling to rebuild, has reiterated its hope that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, under the Lieutenant Governor’s leadership, will expedite relief and prioritize fire safety reforms. Business leaders have urged a comprehensive fire audit of old markets, pointing out that inadequate firefighting infrastructure continues to make such areas vulnerable.
As investigations continue, the Rangat fire stands as both a tragedy and a warning, underscoring the island’s urgent need for safer marketplaces, faster disaster response, and stronger community coordination to prevent history from repeating itself.
