‘We’re unsafe’: 3 wanted in suspected arson at Scarborough Indian restaurant

Toronto police are investigating a suspected arson case following a two-alarm fire at an Indian cuisine restaurant in Scarborough, and the business owner is speaking out, claiming staff aren’t adequately protected.

Toronto fire crews were called to Shaaz Indian Cuisine located at 2300 Lawrence Avenue East near Kennedy Road just before 3 a.m. on Friday for reports of a commercial/industrial fire.

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) said the restaurant was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived at the scene.

Shaaz Indian Cuisine staff tell CityNews that some employees were working inside at the time of the fire, with witnesses stating that they saw multiple suspects smash open the front door, pour gasoline inside, and set the restaurant ablaze.

Two or three suspects wearing black hoodies then fled in a nearby vehicle, they said. Witnesses noted that the culprits were filming themselves on cellphones when the alleged arson occurred.

Staff members were able to make it out of the restaurant safely. No injuries were reported.

Restaurant owner unsure why business was targeted

Toronto police confirmed they’re treating the incident as a suspected case of arson and are searching for at least three male suspects. They were last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing and had face coverings.

Owners of Scarborough’s Shaaz Indian Cuisine, including brand manager Shabudin Shaikh, tell CityNews they’ll now work to rebuild the restaurant, but they weren’t sure why the business was targeted.

“People don’t care about humanity,” Shaikh said. “What’s going on in Scarborough, especially what’s going on at my restaurants… we’re unsafe.”

Shaikh said another local restaurant, located in the Sheppard Avenue area, was recently vandalized, though it’s unclear if there is any link to Friday’s suspected arson.

“Today, you see behind me what happened to my restaurant.”