Delhi Fire Horror: Arson Confirmed, 4 Arrested Including Teen Girl!

Delhi police have made a significant breakthrough in the devastating Tughlakabad Extension fire that claimed the lives of three family members on June 12. What was initially suspected to be an electrical short circuit has now been definitively ruled as an act of deliberate arson, leading to the apprehension of four individuals, including a 17-year-old girl. This chilling development has sent shockwaves through the community.

The investigation took a critical turn thanks to crucial CCTV footage. Police observed the juvenile, her face masked, entering the residential building shortly before the blaze erupted and then exiting just minutes later. This pivotal evidence contradicted earlier theories and pointed directly to foul play. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Hemant Tiwari confirmed that based on the collected evidence, the fire was indeed a premeditated act.

The accused allegedly orchestrated the fire as part of a conspiracy to settle a "personal dispute," which also involved a "monetary dispute." The plan involved setting a scooter ablaze on the ground floor. The flames rapidly spread, engulfing the entire five-storey building and leading to the tragic loss of life. The charges against the accused now include criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide, mischief by fire, and house trespass, all registered at the Govindpuri police station.

Following the identification of the juvenile through video footage, police apprehended her. During questioning, she revealed that 27-year-old Sarita, a resident of Girinagar in Govindpuri, had instigated her. Sarita allegedly provided the petrol and a matchbox, instructing the teen to set fire to a two-wheeler belonging to Deepak, a resident of the building. The plot was reportedly hatched at the behest of Niranjan, 33, and his brother Rajkumar, 27, residents of Navjeevan Camp in Govindpuri, to avenge a personal dispute. All four have since been taken into custody.

The victims of this horrific incident were identified as 28-year-old Pankaj, his 70-year-old maternal grandmother Shushila Devi, and his 20-year-old sister Soni, all residents of the building's third floor. Pankaj’s mother, Guddi Devi, 50, and younger sister, Mani, 18, sustained injuries in the fire. This tragedy comes on the heels of another massive fire in south Delhi on June 3, which unfortunately claimed 23 lives, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region.

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