JOIN USThe inquiry would be conducted by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ulsoor Division) G B Manjunath, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) M R Poojar said.
Nine persons, including three who jumped in panic, died in the fire at the seven-storeyed Carlton Towers, housing several software companies and commercial establishments, last evening and over 50 were hospitalised for burns and suffocation.
Authorities at the Manipal Hospital where the injured are being treated told reporters that 38 of the 59 persons brought to the hospital have been discharged. Fourteen out of the remaining 21 were still in the ICU.
"We will have to find out whether the building, built by Chennai-based Southern Investments Construction Company, complied with all fire safety regulations and had its electrical installations and other requisites in place", Poojar said.
On possibility of any sabotage behind the fire, he said "We are keeping an open mind. We will examine all the angles."
Four to five agencies, including the Forensic Science Laboratory and Inspectorate of Electrical Safety, have already conducted inspections at the building.
All efforts will be made to complete the inquiry "as early as possible", Poojar said.
Chief Fire Officer E U Erappa said though the building was cleared 10-12 years back.