Fire in south Delhi building that killed 3 was arson; teen girl among 4 held: Cops

Delhi Building Fire in South Delhi: Arson Suspected, 17-Year-Old Girl Among 4 Arrested

Fire in south Delhi building that – A fire in south Delhi building that claimed three lives has been identified as an arson case, with four individuals, including a 17-year-old girl, apprehended by police. The incident, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, resulted in the tragic deaths of Sushila Devi, her grandson Pankaj Pandey, and granddaughter Soni, while two others were severely injured. Authorities are investigating the blaze, which spread rapidly through the structure, as a deliberate act of sabotage, citing CCTV footage and witness statements as key evidence.

Arson Motive Linked to Personal Dispute

The fire in south Delhi building originated in a parking lot, where a scooter was set ablaze by the suspects. According to police, the 17-year-old girl was captured on camera entering the building shortly before the incident, covering her face with a dupatta and fleeing the scene swiftly. The suspects, including Sarita (27) and her accomplices, were allegedly motivated by a financial disagreement that escalated into a plan for revenge. “The minor girl was seen near the building just before the fire started, and she later confessed to being instructed by Sarita to ignite the scooter,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the act.

Expanded Legal Charges and Investigative Steps

As the investigation deepens, authorities have added more severe charges to the FIR, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and mischief by fire. The initial charges of causing death by negligence have now been upgraded, reflecting the growing evidence of premeditated action. The suspects, who are from Navjeevan Camp in Govindpuri, reportedly planned the attack to avenge a monetary dispute. “The fire was not accidental—it was a calculated effort to trap residents and create chaos,” Tiwari added. The police have also begun scrutinizing the building’s occupancy and the role of its owners in the incident.

Building Design and Safety Concerns

The fire in south Delhi building has exposed critical safety flaws in the structure’s design. Officials noted that the building, constructed on a compact 100-square-yard plot, lacked essential fire exits, ventilation systems, and firefighting equipment. This, combined with the cramped living conditions, made it nearly impossible for residents to escape once the flames engulfed the premises. “The lack of proper safety infrastructure worsened the situation, leading to severe injuries and loss of life,” stated a fire department spokesperson. The building houses 10 flats, with two units on each floor, further complicating evacuation efforts during the early stages of the fire.

Victims and Aftermath of the Disaster

The fire in south Delhi building left a devastating impact on the families affected. Sushila Devi, a 60-year-old woman, and her two grandchildren, Pankaj Pandey (22) and Soni (18), perished in the inferno, while Guddi Devi (45) and Mani (35) were critically injured but are recovering. Three women on the top floor, including Mumtaz and her sisters, also suffered burns. The fire’s intensity, fueled by the building’s flammable materials and lack of proper fire safety measures, caused an explosion that trapped residents inside. Neighbors reported hearing loud noises and the smell of burning plastic before the flames took hold, highlighting the suddenness of the disaster.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigations

Residents of Tughlakabad Extension expressed shock and grief over the fire in south Delhi building, which has raised concerns about safety in the area. Local officials are now under pressure to address the structural deficiencies that contributed to the tragedy. The police have intensified their search for additional evidence, including surveillance footage and interviews with witnesses, to build a stronger case against the suspects. “We are looking into all possible angles to ensure justice for the victims,” Tiwari said. The case also underscores the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations, particularly in densely populated urban areas like South Delhi.