FireInvestigation – Delhi Blaze Death Toll Climbs as Injured Woman Dies in Hospital
FireInvestigation – A woman who had been battling severe burn injuries after a devastating fire in southeast Delhi’s Tughlakabad Extension has died during treatment, taking the total number of fatalities in the incident to four, police officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Guddi Devi, 50, who was unable to speak and had sustained critical injuries in the blaze, passed away at a hospital on Monday evening. Her death comes days after three members of her family lost their lives in the same tragedy.
Death Toll Rises Following Hospitalisation
The fire broke out on Friday in a multi-storey residential building in the Tughlakabad Extension area. The incident initially claimed the lives of 70-year-old Sushila Devi and her two grandchildren, Pankaj, 28, and Soni, 20.
Guddi Devi and her daughter Moni, 18, were among those seriously injured and were admitted to hospital for treatment. While Moni continues to receive medical care, Guddi Devi succumbed to her injuries after several days of treatment.
Early Findings Suggested an Accident
When investigators first arrived at the scene, preliminary assessments indicated that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Based on the initial evidence, authorities registered a case under provisions related to negligence involving fire and causing death through negligent actions.
However, the direction of the investigation changed significantly after new evidence emerged during the probe.
CCTV Footage Alters Course of Investigation
Police later examined CCTV footage from the area, which reportedly showed a woman entering the parking section of the five-storey building shortly before the fire erupted.
According to investigators, the video captured movements that raised suspicions about the origin of the blaze. Moments after the woman entered the area, flames broke out, and she was allegedly seen leaving the location quickly.
The footage prompted police to investigate the possibility of deliberate arson rather than an accidental fire.
Four Individuals Taken Into Custody
During questioning, a minor girl allegedly disclosed that she had been encouraged by a woman identified as Sarita to set fire to a scooter belonging to a resident named Deepak. Investigators said the alleged act was linked to a financial disagreement.
Police claim the minor was provided with petrol and a matchbox to carry out the plan. Further investigation led authorities to Sarita, who allegedly revealed that the plot had been conceived at the instruction of two brothers, Niranjan, 33, and Rajkumar, 27.
The brothers are residents of the Navjeevan Camp area and are accused of planning the act as retaliation connected to a personal dispute, according to investigators.
Additional Charges Added
Following the emergence of fresh evidence, police expanded the scope of the case and added several serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempted culpable homicide, mischief by fire, and house trespass during nighttime.
Authorities subsequently apprehended the minor girl along with the three other accused individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Continues
Police officials said the investigation remains active as forensic findings and witness statements continue to be examined. The case has drawn attention due to the shift from what initially appeared to be an accidental residential fire to an alleged conspiracy resulting in multiple deaths.
With Guddi Devi’s death, investigators are now examining the full extent of criminal liability connected to the incident that claimed four lives and left another family member injured.