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Vashi High-Rise Fire: Society Manager, Fire Contractor Booked Under BNS 106(1) After Four Deaths

Police say long-pending faults left the tower’s fire system inoperative, prompting a BNS 106(1) negligence case with further inquiry ongoing.

Overview

  • The blaze erupted around 12:40 a.m. on October 21 in Raheja Residency’s B Wing, starting on the 10th floor and spreading to the 11th and 12th floors.
  • Vashi Police registered a negligence case against society manager Sanjay Vitthal Ubale and Life Save Fire Services operator Pradeep Bhimrao Patil.
  • Investigators found the building’s fire-fighting system was not functioning properly, which severely hindered fire brigade operations.
  • An assessment cited gross negligence for ignoring critical faults and not alerting office-bearers or residents, and police said notices have been issued to the accused.
  • The fire killed Sundar Balakrishnan, Pooja Rajan, their six-year-old daughter Vedika, and Kamla Hiralal Jain, while multiple others were injured as NMMC crews battled the blaze for hours before cooling operations.