Anti-social gangs backed by landsharks are suspected to be behind the fire outbreak at the abandoned Commonwealth Trust (Comtrust) Handloom Weaving Factory at Mananchira in Kozhikode city. The fire that engulfed the factory buildings around 9 p.m. on March 14 (Thursday) caused destruction to a substantial portion of the dilapidated buildings and their roofs.
Former factory workers who rushed to the spot alleged that there were “mystery elements” behind the late-night incident as the land was under the radar of a few influential loan sharks who were after the prime property to set up business ventures.
Police officers who inspected the spot and collected further evidence said on March 15 (Friday) that the building did not have any active electricity connections. They said former factory workers who filed a complaint seeking a comprehensive probe into the incident claimed that the building was set afire by unknown gangs. However, these could be verified only after a thorough investigation, they added.
