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Indian-origin couple's vegan cafe in Australia suffers arson attack
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit invested their life savings into a vegan cafe in Melbourne, which was severely damaged in an arson attack. They are now raising funds for repairs.
Key points
- The couple opened 'And Bodega' in July 2026 in Fitzroy North, Melbourne.
- The cafe was damaged in a suspected arson attack on October 12, 2026.
- Approximately $5,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the cafe after the fire.
- Sharma described the aftermath as feeling like a 'warzone'.
- They have launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover repair costs and staff payments.
- New laws in Victoria aim to close stores selling illegal tobacco products.
Key insights
- The couple's crowdfunding campaign may reflect community support for small businesses.
- Rising arson attacks could lead to stricter regulations on tobacco shops.
- The incident may deter potential investors from opening businesses near tobacconists.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks small businesses face from rising arson attacks.
Entities
Ashish Sharma· PersonManali Purohit· PersonAnd Bodega· CompanyMelbourne· CityVictoria· StateAustralia· Country
Source
Times of India
