The Mizoram government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the massive fire that destroyed most parts of the 131-year-old heritage building, which housed the Aizawl District Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, officials said on Saturday. Officials said that a massive fire on Friday reduced major parts of the DC office to rubble despite the fire and emergency services personnel with many firefighter engines fighting several hours. 

“Despite the best efforts of the fire and emergency services personnel, the fire destroyed most parts of the building, including the Election Branch, Planning Branch, Arms Branch, ILP Branch, Census Branch, Establishment, Nazir, DC’s office chamber, two additional DC and SDO (Sadar) office chambers,” an official statement said.