Delhi Fire That Claimed Three Lives Was Deliberately Planned, CCTV Reveals Shocking Twist

What was initially believed to be an accidental fire in south Delhi's Tughlakabad has now emerged as an alleged case of deliberate arson, with police claiming the blaze that claimed three lives was the result of a conspiracy linked to a family financial dispute.

The devastating fire broke out in a residential building on June 12, leaving three people dead and several others injured. Investigators now say the incident was intentionally triggered and not caused by negligence or an accident.

CCTV Footage Leads Police To Suspects

The investigation took a dramatic turn after CCTV footage surfaced showing a teenage girl entering the building shortly before the fire erupted. The footage prompted police to identify and detain the 17-year-old girl for questioning.

During interrogation, the minor allegedly admitted to setting fire to a scooter parked on the ground floor of the building shortly after midnight. According to police, the flames quickly spread through the structure and eventually reached the fifth floor, engulfing large portions of the building.

Authorities said eight residents were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals. However, three victims, identified as Pankaj, Sushila Devi and Sonia Kumari, later succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Financial Dispute Between Cousins At Centre Of Probe

Police investigations have revealed that the alleged act of arson was linked to an ongoing financial dispute between cousins Deepak and Niranjan. Deepak lived on the fifth floor of the building, while Niranjan had reportedly been released from jail recently in connection with another case.

According to investigators, the detained girl told police that Sarita had encouraged her to target a scooter belonging to Deepak. Police further alleged that Sarita supplied petrol and a matchbox that were used to ignite the vehicle.

The scooter fire is believed to have triggered the chain of events that resulted in the deadly blaze.

Three Arrested, Minor Detained

Following the investigation, police arrested Niranjan, 33, his brother Rajkumar, 27, and Sarita, 27. The 17-year-old girl has also been detained. Investigators said the woman and the minor were in relationships with the two accused men.

The arrested individuals have been booked under multiple serious provisions, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempted murder, mischief by fire and trespassing.

Probe Continues Into Wider Conspiracy

While the arrests mark a major breakthrough in the case, investigators are continuing to examine whether additional individuals were involved in planning or facilitating the alleged arson.

Police said further inquiries are underway to determine the full extent of the conspiracy behind the fire that turned a residential building into the scene of a deadly tragedy.