New Delhi, June 14 (UNI)What initially appeared to be an accidental fire tragedy in South Delhi's Tughlakabad Extension has taken a dramatic turn, with Delhi Police uncovering a criminal conspiracy behind the blaze that claimed three lives.
The fire broke out at around 2:24 AM on June 12 in Building No. RZ-171/1, Gali No. 1, TKD Extension, engulfing the structure from the ground floor to the fifth floor. Eight people sustained injuries and were shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. Three victims — Pankaj Pandey, Sushila Devi and Sonia Kumari — later succumbed to their injuries.
Police had initially registered a case under Sections 287 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), treating the incident as a case of negligence.
However, during the course of investigation, CCTV footage revealed a woman entering the premises shortly before the blaze erupted, prompting investigators to suspect foul play.
Further probe led to the identification and apprehension of a 17-year-old girl from Navjeevan Camp, Govind Puri. During questioning, she allegedly disclosed that Sarita (27), a resident of Girinagar, Govind Puri, had provided her with petrol and a matchbox and instigated her to set fire to the scooter of Deepak, a resident of the fifth floor of the building, over a monetary dispute.
According to police, Sarita further revealed that the plan had been orchestrated by Niranjan (33) and his brother Rajkumar (27), both residents of Navjeevan Camp, Govind Puri, who allegedly sought to settle a personal score.
Delhi Police said the fire, which ultimately engulfed the entire building, was the result of a deliberate act of arson. The minor girl and all three accused have been apprehended.
In view of the new findings, police have invoked additional provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 61 (criminal conspiracy), 105 (culpable homicide), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 326(g) (mischief by fire) and 331(4) (lurking house-trespass by night).
Further investigation into the case is underway.
UNI/ATK ARN