Indore Fire Survivor Challenges Official Theories, Calls for Thorough Probe
A survivor of the devastating house fire in Indore that claimed eight lives has strongly rejected the prevailing official narrative regarding the cause of the blaze and the obstacles faced by firefighters. The tragedy, which occurred in the Brajeshwari Annexe building, has sparked controversy over initial reports pointing to an electric vehicle charging point and malfunctioning electronic locks.
Survivor Disputes EV Charging Point as Fire Source
Saurabh Pugalia, son of polymer businessman Manoj Pugalia and one of only four survivors from the extended family, addressed reporters on Thursday to counter what he termed a "false narrative." He revealed that the family's electric hatchback was not even connected to the charging point when the fire erupted around 3:30 AM on Wednesday.
"Since the car charger wasn't connected to the power source, it is unclear how a short circuit could occur at the charging point," Saurabh stated emphatically. This assertion directly challenges the preliminary theories that have circulated since the incident, suggesting the need for a more comprehensive investigation into alternative causes.
Questions Raised About Electronic Locks Hindering Rescue
Beyond the EV charging point theory, Saurabh also discounted the official explanation that rescuers were unable to enter the three-story building because electronic locks became disabled without power. He pointed to "something external" as a potential source, citing social media videos that show an electricity pole outside the building catching fire.
This raises significant questions about whether the electronic locks truly prevented access or if other factors were at play during the rescue operation. The survivor's account adds a layer of complexity to understanding the sequence of events that led to such a high casualty count.
Tragic Toll and Ongoing Forensic Investigation
The fire resulted in the heartbreaking loss of eight family members, including:
- Manoj Pugalia, the family patriarch and businessman
- His daughter-in-law Simran
- Six relatives visiting from Kishanganj, Bihar
Among the deceased were a cancer patient and two children, making the tragedy particularly poignant. The victims had gathered from different locations, highlighting how the fire affected multiple branches of the extended family.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrendra Singh confirmed that forensic teams are meticulously analyzing both the charred electric vehicle and the building's electrical circuitry to determine the fire's exact origin. "There have been instances of electric vehicles catching fire even when they were not being charged. We are exploring all angles, including what the family members have said, to establish the exact cause of the fire," Singh explained.
Official Response and Assurance of Scientific Probe
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the survivors and assured them of a scientific investigation into the incident. "We will wait for the detailed probe report and take appropriate steps so that such tragic accidents don't recur," the CM stated, acknowledging the need for a thorough examination of all evidence before drawing conclusions.
The conflicting accounts between official theories and survivor testimony underscore the importance of a transparent investigation process. As forensic experts continue their work, the community awaits answers that could potentially influence fire safety protocols for buildings with electronic security systems and electric vehicle infrastructure.
