Indian-Origin Couple Devastated as Dream Melbourne Café Destroyed in Suspected Firebombing
An Indian-origin couple in Melbourne is grappling with the loss of their entire life savings after a suspected arson attack on a neighboring tobacco shop reduced their newly opened dream business to ashes. Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit had invested over $100,000 (approximately Rs 94 lakh) and months of grueling DIY renovation into “And Bodega,” a vegan café in Fitzroy North, only to see their hard work destroyed in a single night of violence.
A Dream Turned to Ash
The couple officially opened And Bodega in July 2026, marking the culmination of a long-held ambition. However, their entrepreneurial journey was abruptly halted on October 12, when a fire broke out at the adjoining tobacconist. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze on St Georges Road at approximately 3:45 am following reports of an explosion.
Police investigations suggest that one or more unidentified individuals forcibly entered the tobacco shop and deliberately ignited the fire. The resulting inferno completely destroyed the tobacconist and caused catastrophic damage to the neighbouring cafe. To add to the couple’s misery, their premises were further victimized the following day when approximately $5,000 worth of essential equipment and technology was stolen from the fire-ravaged site.
Describing the aftermath, Sharma likened the condition of the café to a “warzone,” noting that the intense heat had melted the roof and left the entire interior coated in thick layers of soot.
Wider Crisis in Melbourne
This incident is not an isolated one; it is part of an alarming, ongoing wave of firebombings targeting tobacco shops across Melbourne. Authorities have recorded hundreds of similar incidents since late 2023. While the investigation into the attack on the shop next to And Bodega remains active, police have clarified that there is currently no evidence linking the targeted tobacconist to the illicit tobacco trade. No arrests have been made in connection with the case thus far.
Uncertain Future and Community Support
The financial blow is significant. With insurance coverage expected to yield only about $25,000, the couple faces a massive shortfall compared to the estimated $100,000 required to restore their business. In response to the crisis, Sharma and Purohit have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover repairs, compensate staff, settle supplier debts, and eventually seek a new location to relaunch the café.
Despite the profound hardship, the couple has been overwhelmed by the solidarity shown by the local community. Purohit, who moved to Australia after training as a pastry chef in Mumbai, expressed deep gratitude for the support received from fellow small business owners and local residents.
“Words can’t describe just how seen and loved we feel,” Purohit said. As the community rallies behind them, the couple remains hopeful that they can eventually rebuild the vision they poured their hearts and savings into.
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