KDMC suspects sabotage angle in Kalyan fire, files FIR

The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) seems to be following Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) when it comes to suspicions about dumping ground fires. Like BMC about the Deonar fire, KDMC also doesn't believe the fire at Aadharwadi dumping ground was accidental and so it registered a case against unknown persons in the matter on Saturday.

The civic body has hired a contractor to spray water on the garbage in a bid to prevent the fires. File pic

While suspecting the Kalyan fire, which broke out on May 30, was an act of sabotage, the civic body filed a case under Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc) of the Indian Penal Code at the Khadakpada police station.

While Shivaji Nagar police, who were investigating the Deonar fire case, had held scrap dealers responsible for the fire, the Khadakpada police have launched their investigation to nab the accused, if any.

"The KDMC wrote to Khadakpada police saying it suspects unknown miscreants or rag pickers to be behind the fire. They said rag pickers could have done it to burn wires and then sell the metal," said a senior Khadakpada police officer.

Meanwhile, KDMC chief E Ravindran, along with mayor Rajendra Devlekar visited the dumping ground on Monday. They assured the nearby residents that in 18 months, KDMC would set up new waste treatment plants and close the Aadharwadi dumping yard. "We assured the people that we are in the process of setting up plants that will treat the garbage scientifically. They will be at 13 places in KDMC wards and 27 villages. It will take 18 months. Once they are ready, we will shut the dumping ground," said Devlekar.