Arson behind civic body office fire?

While cops feel that a short circuit sparked off flames that destroyed assets and important files, fire department officials claim that clues at the spot indicate otherwise

While cops feel that a short circuit sparked off flames that destroyed assets and important files, fire department officials claim that clues at the spot indicate otherwise
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Contrary to BBMP officials' defence claiming that the fire, which broke out at the Mahalakshmi Puram BBMP office was accidental, results of investigations by the fire department allegedly point to foul play.


Burnt to a crisp: The fire destroyed assets in the ward office worth
Rs 3 lakh, including important documents and files, which had been
maintained for over 10 years. Pic/Ramesh HS

The fire broke out at about 8.45 am yesterday and destroyed assets in the ward office worth Rs 3 lakh, including important documents and files, which had been maintained for over 10 years. Two fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames and according to the cops, the fire could have been caused by a short circuit.
However, further investigations by officials and the fire emergency department indicates otherwise.

The PSI from Sheshadripuram police station, who has been investigating the case said, "Assets worth Rs 3 lakh have been destroyed along with irreplaceable files. The fire department said the fire could have been caused by short circuit."

Crucial info lost
When contacted, BBMP joint commissioner V P Ikkeri maintained that the fire was accidental and could have happened anywhere."The Sheshadripuram police are investigating the matter, but nonetheless many important documents have been destroyed. Recent documents relating to taxes and properties have been digitalised, but older records have been destroyed. We do not know if any mischief is involved, but as of now it looks like a short circuit," he said.

Unusual at best
Meanwhile, fire department officials had a different story. "A fire caused by a short circuit will leave switchboards burnt or blackened wires, which are all indications of an electrical fire. In this case, contrasting clues were noticed, which we will report to the police," said B G Chengappa, director, Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services. While officials investigate the actual cause, things currently appear to indicate that a sinister motive lurks in the background.