Doctor's clinic destroyed in suspicious fire

A physician in Sheet Harbour, N.S.,suspects a chain of events that ended with his clinic destroyed by firebegan with a search for drugs.

RCMPwere called to Dr. Dinesh Sinha'sofficeon Highway 7at about 3 a.m.Saturday to checka broken window and investigate a possible break-in. They said there was no indication that anyone was in the building, and left.

Two hours later, however, the building was engulfed in flames. RCMP are calling the fire suspicious and have called the fire marshal to investigate.

Sinha, who has been practising in the area since 1973, saidthe fire destroyed equipment, medical records and drugs, as well as three vacant apartments.

The 63-year-old doctor said there have been break-ins at his clinic before.

"The doctors' offices arealways the target,"Sinha said, noting hetreats a few drug addicts. "They think that there should be drugs in my office."

Sinhasaid he only keeps drug samples, none of which are considered narcotics.

Hesaid he will do everything he can to continue serving his 2,000 patients in Sheet Harbour, including making house calls.