70-year-old Yashpal Bhalla died in a house fire on Armidale Way on Sunday, 29 May. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Bhalla was a prominent figure in Bradford’s Hindu community who raised tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes.

The entire community is in shock following his death.

Book of condolence: Pay your tributes to Yashpal Bhalla

A family spokesperson said: “He was liked by the whole community and he will be sadly missed.

“He worked tremendously hard for the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford and collected a lot of money for charity.”

Mr Bhalla had five daughters and seven grandchildren.

He moved from the Indian state of Punjab to Bradford in 1978 and ran Raglan Stores on Raglan Street for 23 years.

Mukesh Chawla, of the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford, added that everyone has been left devasted by his passing.

“The whole community is shocked and is mourning his departure following his tragic death. His family is very upset,” he said.

“He was a very popular person and a regular attendee at the Hindu Cultural Society. He participated in all the religious activities.

“He would collect money for the poor and for good causes, and also sent money to poor people in India.

“His death was very unfortunate and the whole community will miss him – he was a real gentleman.”