BMC report lays blame for fire on hookah parlour, cops announce reward for information about owners
The BMC report states that the fire was likely sparked by a hookah
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The ambiguity over the Kamala Mills blaze has come to an end, with BMC's fire probe report confirming that the fire began at Mojo's Bistro, not 1 Above. The report also strengthens suspicions that the blaze was sparked by hookahs served there illegally. Due to such irregularities, the entire building's power and water supply is now likely to be cut.
The fire may have started at Mojo's, but the report indicates that 1 Above is just as culpable for the blaze, as the flames were fuelled by the thatched roof that was built illegally at the restaurant. The fire department has relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and eyewitness accounts, as well as videos of the Kamala Mills blaze to put together what caused the tragedy. As many as 17 eyewitness accounts were taken into consideration while preparing the report, including descriptions from Twitter, media reports and Facebook, apart from the statements recorded by officials.
Hookah, thatched roof
The department has kept the cause of fire open, in case investigations turn up any new evidence. However, the report stated: "It was revealed by most of the eyewitnesses that hookah was served at Mojo's Bistro at the time of fire, and the preparation of hookah was done at the spot where the curtains/decorative material first ignited." "The probable supposed cause of fire is derived as the flying embers from the lit charcoal coming in contact with the combustible cloth used as curtains at Mojo's Bistro, which very rapidly spread to the unauthorised and highly combustible thatched roof of 1 Above restaurant," the report added.
The report points to structural violations and using large quantities of combustible materials such as plywood, partition sheets, cloth, etc. It has also pointed out several unauthorised activities, such as fire tricks by bartenders at Mojo's, as well as stocking hookah, liquor and beer bottles. Neither 1 Above and Mojo's had permission for such actions. Further, the fire report pointed out that the security personnel were unaware of emergency exits, as indicated by the death of one of them in the toilet at 1 Above.
Mojo's Bistro says
The owners - Pritina Shrestha, Siddharth Mahadevan, son of Shankar Mahadevan; Yug Pathak, son of former Pune Police Commissioner KK Pathak and Pune investor, Yug Tuli - all remained unavailable for comment. A representative said, "At this moment, we do not have any statement to make. If at all there is any statement, the lawyer will do the needful."
Recommended action
>> The fire brigade has already revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to both restaurants.
>> The entire Trade House building faces disconnection of water and power supply.
>> Verify trade licences and activities of Mojo's, 1 Above, and the entire building.
>> Verify whether any restaurant plans were approved earlier.
>> Verify all alterations made to building by blocking emergency escape routes.
>> Owner/occupier of premises shall conduct regular evacuation drills.
- Inputs by Snigdha Hasan and Hemal Ashar
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