A fire that killed three people in a residential building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad area was not accidental but a planned act of arson linked to a family dispute, police said after completing a preliminary investigation, NDTV reported.
Three people have been arrested in the case – Niranjan (33), his brother Rajkumar (27), and Sarita (27). A 17-year-old girl has also been detained by the police. According to officials, the woman and the minor were allegedly involved in carrying out the plan.
CCTV footage led police to suspects
The fire broke out shortly after midnight on June 12 and quickly spread through the multi-storey building. Eight people were rescued and taken to hospital. Three victims – Pankaj, Sushila Devi and Sonia Kumari – later died during treatment.
The case was initially treated as an accidental fire. However, the investigation took a new turn after CCTV footage showed a girl entering the building shortly before the blaze started, as per NDTV.
Police identified and detained the minor for questioning. During interrogation, she allegedly admitted to setting fire to a scooter parked on the ground floor of the building.
According to investigators, the scooter was set ablaze using petrol and a matchbox. The flames rapidly spread through the structure and eventually reached the fifth floor, engulfing large parts of the building.
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Financial dispute allegedly behind fire
Police said the minor revealed that Sarita had allegedly asked her to set the scooter on fire. The scooter reportedly belonged to Deepak, a resident of the fifth floor and cousin of the accused Niranjan.
Investigators believe the incident was linked to an ongoing financial dispute between Deepak and Niranjan. Police said Niranjan had recently been released from jail in another case.
Based on the findings, police arrested Niranjan, Rajkumar, and Sarita. They have been booked under charges related to criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempted murder, mischief by fire, and trespassing.
Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether any other individuals were involved in planning or executing the crime.
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FAQs:
1.What caused the deadly Tughlakabad building fire?
Police said the fire was a deliberate act of arson linked to a financial dispute between two cousins.
2.How did investigators identify the suspects?
CCTV footage showed a minor girl entering the building before the fire, leading police to the accused.
