A day after a devastating from a single family, a key survivor has disputed police’s initial findings on the cause of the blaze and raised questions about the rescue effort.
The fire broke out early Wednesday at the residence of businessman Manoj Pugalia in Brajeshwari Annexe Colony, rapidly engulfing the house and leaving eight people dead, including Pugalia, his daughter-in-law Simran, and two children. Four others, including Pugalia’s son Saurabh, managed to escape.
Police had initially attributed the incident to an explosion at an electric vehicle charging point installed outside the house, suggesting the blast sparked a fire that quickly spread through the structure. However, Saurabh Pugalia, who survived the blaze, has publicly rejected this version, stating that no vehicle was plugged in at the time.
“We charge the car regularly, but that day, it was not connected. If nothing was plugged in, how could the charging point cause a fire or short circuit?” he asked, adding that videos circulating on social media appear to show sparks and a possible explosion at an electric pole outside the house.
He also challenged another element of police’s account that electronic door locks delayed rescue efforts after the power supply was cut. “There are no electronic locks in the house. It remains open. Anyone can verify this,” he said.
Saurabh alleged delays in the emergency response, claiming that quicker arrival of fire tenders and ambulances might have reduced the death toll. “Timely action could have saved lives,” he said.
A senior police officer said an expert committee comprising forensic specialists, electrical inspectors and fire safety officials has been tasked with determining the exact cause of the blaze.
“The investigation is underway, and all possible angles, including electrical faults, structural factors and response protocols, are being examined. We will establish the precise sequence of events based on scientific evidence,” the officer said.
