Mayor suspects sabotage in Dadar flower market fire

“The circumstances under which the incident occurred are questionable.

“The circumstances under which the incident occurred are questionable. How can fire break out in every part of the market at any given time?” said Mayor Shraddha Jadhav questioning the circumstances under which fire broke out at Dadar flower market, also known as Meenatai Thackeray market, in central Mumbai on Saturday mid-night. Over 400 stalls were gutted in the blaze.

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The Mumbai fire brigade has initiated an inquiry into the incident. Chief fire officer (in-charge) AN Shinde said, “We have ordered an inquiry into the incident. The report may be submitted in a week’s time.”

“The exact cause is yet to be ascertained. Short circuit may have possibly led to the incident,” said a fire brigade officer who was on the spot on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Mayor Shraddha Jadhav has expressed doubts over the fire at flower market. Meenatai Thackeray Market, named after Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s wife, was to undergo major repair work. Budgetary provision of Rs 2.29 crore was made for the same. The commencement was to begin after a small function led by mayor on Monday.

Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray along with Mayor Jadhav visited the spot on Monday. “I feel it was intentional. Thorough probe should be conducted into the matter,” added Jadhav.