JOIN USMaharashtra to probe sabotage angle in fire
A day after a fire engulfed the stage at a cultural event to mark the Make in India week here, the probe will look into three likely causes–short circuit in the electrical systems, improper storing and handling of cylinders used for pyrotechnics and also sabotage.
On Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a “comprehensive probe” by “competent officials and agencies.”
The chief minister held meetings with Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and Chief Fire Officer P S Rahangdale. “We will look into all aspects,” said Rahangdale.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Fadnavis on Sunday night and got a briefing of the first-hand-assessment.
However, the two big agencies involved in the programme – Bollywood set designer Nitin Desai and Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd – claimed that they were not at fault.
“There were no problems or issues with set design and set construction,” said Desai, who has designed sets for Bollywood movies like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Mission Kashmir’ and ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’.
The stage for this event was around 160 ft x 120 ft.
“This is the first such incident of my career,” Desai added.
“The detailed planning, with regard to smooth execution of the event and disaster management in case of an unfortunate incident, ensured that there were no casualties and no injuries.
Prior to the event all safety checks and audits were done during rehearsals and prior to the show.
All fire and safety norms prescribed have been followed,” Wizcraft said in a press statement.