Nagpur: Experts from the National Fire Service College (NFSC) have been summoned to ascertain the exact cause of the blaze at Dhamangaon in Bhiwapur taluka of Nagpur Rural last week. The NFSC will carry out a comprehensive forensic analysis, examining the point of origin of the fire, its pattern of spread and intensity.
"Their expert opinion is expected to be pivotal in determining if the incident was a mere accident caused by negligence or a case of planned arson," said an official. The fire, which broke out on Saturday, gutted over 50 houses and claimed the lives of several livestock. The incident has triggered a multi-agency investigation, with police arresting Kailash Dhakulkar, a local farmer, as the primary accused.
On Monday, Dhakulkar was produced before the court, where he was remanded to two days of police custody. Sources said that Dhakulkar's house also suffered significant damage in the fire. Senior police officials are now grappling with a critical question revolving around whether multiple farmers were involved in setting fire to weeds in the fields, which subsequently spiralled out of control and engulfed the village.
Lapses in Precautions
According to officials, Dhakulkar failed to take basic precautions like keeping the water supply ready to douse the fire and deputing someone to monitor the area. These lapses are believed to have contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire.
Forensic Investigation Underway
The forensic teams were in the village on Sunday and Monday, collecting evidence from the site. The teams continued their work late into the evening, sifting through the charred remains for crucial clues. Eyewitnesses from the village described scenes of horror, with thick black smoke billowing across the area and flames spreading with alarming speed. Livestock trapped inside sheds had little chance of survival as the fire swept through.
In one heart-wrenching yet miraculous escape, two senior citizens living alone managed to flee through a narrow passage just moments before their house collapsed. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional.
