The Bajaj Nagar police have registered an offence against Reliance Smart Super Store officials and property owners for criminal negligence, illegal construction, and endangering public safety after a major fire incident caused property damage worth nearly ₹60 lakh at Yogiraj Suyog Palace, near Aath Rasta Square, on October 21.
According to the complaint lodged by Anil Dwarkadas Gandhi (68), a resident of Yogiraj Suyog Palace, the fire broke out around 8 pm in the building’s parking area, allegedly due to the illegal construction and storage of flammable materials such as toilet cleaners and edible oils in the basement godown of Reliance Smart Mall.
Gandhi stated that he had repeatedly alerted the store’s management and building owners through calls and written complaints about the unauthorised encroachment in the parking area and the fire hazard posed by storing inflammable goods. However, no corrective measures were taken despite several warnings.
He further alleged that the mall management failed to conduct any fire audits since 2021 and neglected to implement fire-safety measures, even after being aware of the potential threat. Due to the illegal encroachment and obstruction of the fire exit route, the fire caused extensive damage to electrical wiring, washing machines, AC units, and other valuable household items in the residential complex.
Following the complaint, police booked the mall officials under Sections 125, 126(1), 287, 329(1), 324(1), 326(F), 326(G), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is being conducted by Senior PI Ajay Mankar and API Sanjay Manskar of Bajaj Nagar police station.
Police have stated that strict legal action will be taken to ensure that no commercial establishment violates government safety norms in the future.
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