Chowpatty fire probe report next week, says officer

Mumbai: The exact cause of the fire at a ‘Make in India’ event here will be known only next week as recording of statements of people linked to the expo and also organisers is taking time, a senior official said today.

“Our investigation is heading in proper direction and by next week, we would be able to ascertain the exact cause of the fire,” Mumbai’s Chief Fire officer P S Rahangdale told PTI.

He, however, declined to give the exact date of submitting the much-awaited probe report.

“Currently, I am in the process of cross-examining the officers and executives who were part of the event. I have found many missing links during cross-examination and those I need to verified and corroborate before arriving at a definite conclusion,” said Rahangdale.

So far 7-8 officials, who were associated with the February 14 programme, have been quizzed and many more are lined up for questioning, he said.

“I wanted to wind up the investigation in two days, but the process of cross-examination is taking time, the Chief Fire Officer said.

A huge fire broke out on Sunday at Girgaum Chowpatty sea front during a cultural programme organised as part of the ‘Make in India’ expo, which concluded on February 18.

A day after the incident, a Fire Brigade official had said all aspects, including sabotage angle, will be investigated. No casualties were reported in the fire.