NEW DELHI: A shocking twist has emerged in the deadly fire incident that claimed three lives in Delhi’s Govindpuri area earlier this week. What was initially believed to be an accidental blaze has now been revealed as a planned act of arson, with Delhi Police apprehending four individuals, including a 17-year-old girl, for their alleged involvement in the incident.
The fire broke out in the early hours of June 12 in a five-storey residential building located in Tughlakabad Extension, southeast Delhi. The blaze rapidly spread from the ground floor to the upper levels of the building, trapping several residents inside. Emergency responders, including Delhi Fire Services personnel, police teams, and ambulance services, launched an extensive rescue operation to evacuate those stranded in the smoke-filled structure.
The tragedy left three members of a family dead. The victims were identified as Pankaj Pandey, his sister Sonia Kumari, and their grandmother Sushila Devi. Eight other residents sustained injuries and were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.
Initially, authorities treated the incident as a case of negligence and registered a case under provisions related to careless handling of fire and causing death by negligence. However, as investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the area, evidence began pointing toward a deliberate act rather than an accident.
According to police officials, surveillance footage showed a woman entering the premises shortly before the fire broke out and leaving soon afterward. This discovery prompted investigators to examine the possibility of foul play. Further investigation led officers to a 17-year-old girl from the Govindpuri area, who was subsequently apprehended for questioning.
During interrogation, the minor allegedly disclosed that she had been encouraged by a woman identified as Sarita, 27, to set fire to a scooter parked inside the building. Police claim Sarita supplied petrol and a matchbox and instructed the girl to ignite the vehicle due to a financial dispute involving a resident of the building.
Investigators later uncovered what they describe as a larger conspiracy. According to police findings, Sarita allegedly acted at the behest of two brothers, Niranjan, 33, and Rajkumar, 27. Authorities believe the brothers orchestrated the plan to settle a personal score linked to an ongoing dispute. What reportedly began as an attempt to target a scooter spiraled into a catastrophic blaze that engulfed the entire building.
Delhi Police have stated that the fire was a deliberate act of arson and not an accidental incident. The minor girl and the three adult suspects have all been apprehended as the investigation continues. Officials are now examining the sequence of events, motive, and individual roles of the accused in greater detail.
Following these revelations, investigators have added several serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempt to commit culpable homicide, mischief by fire, and trespass-related offences. The enhanced charges reflect the gravity of the incident and the loss of human lives caused by the blaze.
The case has sent shockwaves across the capital, particularly because the alleged target was reportedly a single scooter, while the resulting inferno destroyed a residential building and led to multiple casualties. The incident has also raised concerns about fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas and the devastating consequences of criminal acts involving flammable materials.
Police officials have assured that the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects of the conspiracy will be thoroughly examined. Authorities are also reviewing additional evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements, to establish the complete chain of events leading to one of the most tragic residential fire incidents in recent months.
As the probe progresses, the Govindpuri fire case stands as a grim reminder of how a personal dispute can escalate into a devastating tragedy, costing innocent lives and leaving an entire community in shock.
