VARANASI, Feb. 10 -- Amid ongoing razing of houses and shops in Varanasi's Dalmandi area as part of a road widening project, a shopkeeper there on Monday allegedly set a portion of his shop afire before fleeing, police said. The cops on duty contained the fire immediately. The demolition drive was stopped for some time following the incident and was resumed after half-an-hour.

Gaurav Bansal, deputy commissioner of police, Kashi zone, said, "Demolition action is underway. Meanwhile, a man climbed onto his shop, poured petrol on its balcony and then set it on fire and then fled. Efforts are currently underway to identify him. Action will be taken against those who cause trouble."

Atul Anjan Tripathi, assistant commissioner of police, Dash...