Overview
- A fire that started in a shop at Puri Plaza in Gaffar Market was contained early Friday after roughly 22 to 27 fire tenders responded and no casualties were reported.
- Delhi Fire Service’s Divisional Officer said about 40–45 shops were affected while visiting politicians and local leaders offered a lower estimate of about 20–25 shops as damage assessments continue.
- Police and fire officials said overheating or overcharging of mobile batteries is a prima facie cause and have ordered Forensic Science Laboratory and Electrical Inspector examinations to determine the exact ignition source.
- Trader groups have urged the Delhi government to order immediate market safety audits, station fire tenders on round‑the‑clock standby at key markets through the festival period, and create a Rs 100 crore relief fund for small businesses.
- The Gaffar Market blaze is the latest in a cluster of recent Delhi‑NCR fires, including a fatal Mangolpuri factory fire and separate factory blazes in Narela and Ghaziabad, raising fresh pressure for stricter enforcement of building safety certificates and clearer emergency access in crowded markets.