A massive fire broke out at Satpura Bhawan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on Monday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth floors of the building. Firefighting operations continued for 12 hours before the flames were finally brought under control, according to officials. Although the fire has been contained, there is still a risk of reignition due to the presence of a cloud of smoke in various areas. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions. Bhopal Commissioner of Police, Harinarayanachari Mishra, stated that while the fire’s cause appears to be a short circuit, a team of experts has been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation.
The safety of all officers and employees was ensured, and there were no reported casualties as they were promptly evacuated from the premises. The magnitude of the fire led Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to request assistance from the Indian Air Force (IAF). Responding to the request, the IAF deployed AN 32 and Mi-15 aircraft to aid in the firefighting operations. However, Commissioner Mishra clarified that, at present, there is no immediate need for IAF helicopters. In response to the incident, Chief Minister Chouhan announced the formation of a committee to investigate the preliminary causes of the fire. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by Congress MLA Jitu Patwari, levied allegations against the BJP government.
Patwari took to Twitter, raising questions about the fire’s origin and suggesting that such incidents are often politically motivated to destroy evidence before elections. He also called for accountability regarding a previous fire incident and demanded information about any individuals held responsible. As the investigations unfold, the focus remains on assessing the extent of the damage and determining the exact cause of the fire. Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of the affected building and prevent any potential reignition. The authorities are committed to a comprehensive examination of the incident to provide accurate answers and address any concerns raised by the public.