Gold Mohur fire: Forensics find kerosene residue

The Directorate Forensic Science Laboratories report found traces of kerosene on the charred debris collected from the site of Gold Mohur Mills, which was gutted in a major fire on January 20.

The Directorate Forensic Science Laboratories report found traces of kerosene on the charred debris collected from the site of Gold Mohur Mills, which was gutted in a major fire on January 20.

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This validates the suspicion of the police and fire brigade that it was a case of sabotage.

“There is something fishy in the way the place had caught fire and hence to ascertain the facts we had sent exhibits from the site to the forensics lab. Their report will help the police fortify their case,” said Uday Tatkare, chief fire officer.

Civic sources said that the mill was non-operational for many years, and hence the traces of kerosene on the debris were shocking.

Of the 11 samples, including stones, debris and earth, sent to the forensic lab two days after the fire broke out, seven tested positive for kerosene residue.

On January 29, the Bhoiwada police had registered a case against Ahmedabad scrap dealer Gaurav Patel, his contractor Wajid and six labourers for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to burn down the defunct mill.

According to official records, the mill caught fire because a few workers were cutting iron rods using cooking gas cylinders to dismantle the crumbling structure.

“The municipal corporation should file a case of sabotage against the mill owners since now we have the evidence to prove it. And the cost incurred by the fire brigade to douse the fire should be required from them,” said Bharatiya Janata Party corporator and standing committee member Ashish Shelar.