'Inspection Report' of judge finds several shortcomings in Uphaar

New Delhi, Sept 2 (UNI) Additional Sessions Judge Mamta Sehgal in her 'Inspection Report' on Uphaar tragedy has found glaring 'shortcomings' in the cinema hall's emergency arrangement plans.

Ms Sehgal, who inspected the Uphaar theatre last month on a September 2003 High Court order, in her report said the two exit doors of the balcony on second floor were found latched.

Besides this, exhaust fans were blocked and there were no 'exit' point on the right side of the balcony seating arrangement, which led to audience being forced to rush to the other side to escape when fire erupted, the report added.

Meanwhile, argument in the case will begin on September 28, as the 'evidence' part into the matter has been completed.

Fifty-nine people had died in the June 13, 1991 fire at Uphaar cinema in Green Park area of South Delhi, while J P Dutta directed 'Border' was being screened.

Twelve people were accused in the case.

UNI XC-AN AK RK1600