Mumbai fire: Police arrest Andheri shop owner, ask him to submit documents
Investigations revealed negligence on his part; so far bodies of 10 of the 12 victims have been identified and their families notified
Police have arrested the man whose shop caught fire in Sakinaka on Monday, killing 12 workers.
This comes after investigations revealed negligence on his part.Officials said the fire started at Bhanu Farsan shop on Khairani Road in Makharia compound. The workers were taken to Rajawadi Hospital, where they were declared brought dead.
Police identified 10 victims and notified their families. They have filed accidental death reports.
“We asked shop owner Ramesh Bhanushali to submit legal documents, such as his licence, to ensure that these are valid,” Navin Reddy, deputy commissioner of police, told HT.
READ: Mumbai shop fire: 20-year-old worker jumped out of loft window, fractured both legs
Bhanushali was booked under sections of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter and causing hurt by endangering life and personal safety of others of the Indian Penal Code.
He was also booked under sections of the BMC Act. Police will also record the statements of other employees and shop’s manager to strengthen their case.
The Sakinaka police and fire brigade continued rescue operations until evening after part of the shop collapsed owing to the fire as they feared that people may be trapped under the debris. The Mumbai traffic police diverted traffic on Khairani Road to the Andheri-Kurla Road to ensure that the rescue operations continued smoothly.