Andheri blaze: FIR names building owners, occupants

Police said the FIR was registered on a complaint by Fire Officer Y R Jhadav. “The FIR was registered not against anyone in specific, but against the owners, developers, occupants, secretary, chairman, manager and others who belong to the Lotus Business Park building,” said senior inspector R Kharthare of the Amboli police station.

Kharthare said the FIR was filed under IPC sections 304 (A) (causing death by negligence), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

A report by fire brigade to the police said the building had flouted several safety norms since fire-fighting systems were not in place, open spaces were used as godowns and exit routes were congested. The godown was also constructed ignoring fire-safety guidelines.

According to the police, statements of over 20 people associated with the building have been recorded so far. The police are still waiting for the fire brigade to reach a conclusion on the cause behind the fire.

Owners and occupants of the commercial tower had also carried out alterations without prior permissions, which caused hurdles in fire-fighting operations and led to the fireman’s death, police said.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com