India

Fire Engulfs Secretariat Complex in Bhopal: No Injuries Reported, Investigation Underway

A significant fire erupted on the third floor of the ‘Vallabh Bhawan’ building in the Madhya Pradesh secretariat complex in Bhopal on Saturday morning. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the flames were extinguished after a five-hour operation, officials reported.

The response to the fire involved personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Force, police firefighters, and the municipal fire brigade.

Given that it was a Saturday, with government offices closed and the premises nearly empty, the timing of the fire minimized potential harm, according to sources.

Conspiracy or Coincidence?

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav promptly directed officials to take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. However, state Congress chief Jitu Patwari alleged a conspiracy, suggesting the fire was an attempt to destroy evidence of corruption.

Expressing concern over the incident, Yadav assured reporters that the fire had been brought under control and emphasized the need to safeguard important documents from such incidents in the future.

Also read: “BJP Follows Vinash Model,” Kejriwal Takes a Dig at Modi’s Governance

The fire department, supported by around 40 to 50 fire tenders and water tankers, including assistance from the Army, battled the blaze.

Sanitation workers noticed smoke emanating from the building and alerted authorities around 9.30 am.

CBI probe’s demand

Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Sarang staged a sit-in outside the secretariat, demanding a CBI probe into the fire.

This incident marks the fifth fire at Vallabh Bhawan since the BJP came to power in 2003, according to Patwari. He questioned which files and departments were affected, alleging a BJP conspiracy to conceal evidence of corruption.

In response, BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi dismissed Patwari’s claims, challenging the opposition to substantiate any corruption charges and suggesting a review of the UPA government’s record instead.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

Three Shot Dead In Morni Hills: Police Suspect Rivalry Behind Panchkula Triple Murder

A chilling triple murder unfolded in Morni Hills of Panchkula, three Delhi residents, including a…

12 mins ago

ED Registers Money Laundering Case In 52 kg Gold Seizure Incident

ED officially entered the investigation into the high-profile case involving the seizure of 52 kilograms…

43 mins ago

PM Modi Emphasizes Youth Empowerment & Education Reforms During Appointment Letter Distribution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated the importance of nurturing the potential of India's…

55 mins ago

Rouse Avenue Court To Hear Land-For-Jobs Scam Cases On January 16-17

The hearing was postponed as a key officer withheld permission to prosecute an alleged accused.…

1 hour ago

PM Modi Distributes Over 71,000 Appointment Letters; Highlights Youth-Centric Initiatives

On Monday, PM Modi distributed more than 71,000 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees…

2 hours ago

Man Sets Women Ablaze In NewYork Subway, Arrested

Describing the attack, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "As the train pulled…

2 hours ago