Group clash led to flare-up in slums?

Foul play suspected as locals say fire that killed one, injured four and destroyed 400 shanties in Ambedkar Vasti started after clash between two groups of rivals

The fire that engulfed Ambedkar Vasti near Market Yard in Gultekdi late on Sunday night blazed on for nearly two hours, destroying 400 shanties in the area. One person was left dead and four injured.

The cause of the fire was yet to be established; fire brigade officials at first suspected a short circuit, but were later not so sure as locals said a dispute between two rival groups "led to the fire," implying arson.

"The fire brigade received a call at 12.21 am and 14 fire tenders attached to the control room rushed to the spot. About 20 homes were already gutted by that time," Chief Fire Officer Prashant Ranpise said.

He added that putting out the fire was not easy in the slums. "The narrow lanes made it difficult for us to douse the fire, we had to use long hosepipes," he said. "As word of the fire spread, several residents came out to help, but because they kept their shanties locked, it was difficult to get gas cylinders out. As a result, the fire spread after six cylinders blew up."

Some shanties also had firecrackers inside, which increased the fire's intensity.