Building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad set ablaze on purpose over ₹50,000 debt; 3 held

Delhi Tughlakabad Building Fires Over ₹50,000 Debt, Three Arrested

Building in Delhi s Tughlakabad set ablaze - Delhi’s Tughlakabad Extension witnessed a tragic incident when a residential building caught fire intentionally to settle a ₹50,000 debt dispute. The blaze, which erupted on Friday, led to the arrest of three individuals, including a 17-year-old girl, as authorities confirmed the motive behind the arson. The fire spread rapidly through the five-storey structure, trapping several residents and resulting in the deaths of three unrelated occupants, while the target of the act narrowly escaped harm.

Details of the Arson Attack

The fire originated in the ground-floor parking area, quickly engulfing the building and creating hazardous conditions for the upper floors. Smoke filled the premises, forcing residents to descend through a single staircase after the roof was locked. The victims, Sushila Devi (70), her grandson Pankaj Pandey (28), and granddaughter Soni (20), were all residents of the building but had no direct connection to the accused, Deepak, who was temporarily absent during the incident.

Deepak, who had been on a trip when the fire broke out, was allegedly targeted by the perpetrators. According to police sources, the fire was set by Sarita, a 27-year-old girl, who had orchestrated the plan with her cousins Niranjan (33) and Rajkumar (27). Sarita reportedly poured petrol on Deepak’s scooter and ignited it, leading to the rapid spread of flames and smoke throughout the building.

Investigation and Motives

Following the incident, the Delhi Police launched an investigation into the alleged arson. Hemant Tiwari, the deputy commissioner of police for the southeast region, revealed that the case now includes charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and mischief by fire. The suspect, Sarita, is said to have acted on behalf of Niranjan, who required funds for his bail, as he and Sarita were in a relationship and had a falling out with Deepak.

"The investigation hinges on the entry-and-exit footage and the burns to the girl’s leg, which she sustained while igniting the fire," Tiwari stated. The footage, captured by CCTV cameras, showed a figure wearing a dupatta entering the building shortly before the fire, confirming the intentional nature of the act. The police have yet to determine if the debt dispute was the sole motive or if other factors were involved.

Residents of the building expressed shock at the incident, highlighting the importance of the structure as a community hub. The five-storey building, located in a densely populated area, has been a part of Tughlakabad Extension for years, housing multiple families. The fire not only disrupted daily life but also raised concerns about safety measures and fire protocols in residential complexes.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Nine people were rescued from the burning building by police, firefighters, and nearby residents, who worked together to evacuate the premises. The three victims—Sushila Devi, Pankaj Pandey, and Soni—were pronounced dead in the trauma centers, while two other family members, Guddi Devi (50) and Mani (18), sustained burns but are recovering. Three women on the top floor, including Mumtaz and her sisters, also suffered injuries during the chaos.

"Deepak was taken for questioning to confront the accused," Tiwari said. The police are investigating whether Deepak had any prior knowledge of the plan or if the debt dispute was a premeditated act. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better fire safety regulations and quicker emergency response times in urban areas like Tughlakabad Extension.

As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing the CCTV footage and testimonies from witnesses to build a strong case against the three suspects. The incident underscores the growing concerns over financial disputes escalating into violent acts, especially in densely populated residential zones. Residents are now calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and emergency preparedness.