Ghatkopar Building Fire: Victims Remain Unsupported As An FIR Lodged Against The Managing Committee

Victims of the central fire that broke out in Madhav Apartments on December 17, 2022, in Ghatkopar (east), have not been adequately compensated for the losses they incurred during the mishap. An FIR was lodged against the managing committee of the commercial building and the owner of the Kalrashukla coaching center, present on the topmost floor, due to their negligence toward the building’s crippling infrastructure and inadequate fire safety.

The six-storeyed structure that once housed a hospital, clinics, and coaching classes now lies barren as its repairs continue. All businesses have been relocated to different locations. An ENT-specialized clinic named Lotus Clinic has been shifted just behind the apartments. When asked if they were satisfied with their compensation, a staff member said, “ We were only given an alternative place to continue our practice. Rest all has to be built from scratch. It feels like our livelihood is at stake.”

The FIR was lodged after a report was submitted by the Fire Department, revealing that the fire was caused due to a short circuit in the meter room that eventually spread through electric cables that ran through the staircase. Moreover, the building had received an OC (Occupation Certificate) despite not having a Fire NOC (No-objection Certificate). Upon inquiring with the BMC officials, they stated that the committee was asked to produce a fire NOC but they were unable to do so.

Police investigations have also revealed that the classes had not kept fire extinguishers which could have been used to douse the fire hence the coaching center has been held accountable. Taniya Kamble, an 18-year-old NEET aspirant studying in the same classes, was among the injured. She sustained 20% burns largely on her face and hands. Her treatments are ongoing and her family has started a crowdfunding program to raise money for the same. Her father expressed his disappointment in the coaching center’s attitude stating, “When we called them for some financial aid, they only agreed to compensate for her ambulance fee.”

So far the Pant Nagar Police is supporting Taniya’s treatment by donating an amount of Rs. 10,000 every day and has ensured a speedy trial against those who are responsible.