Investigation slackens as the Carlton Towers Owner's Association fails to produce crucial documents even after three months of the tragedy
Investigation slackens as the Carlton Towers Owner's Association fails to produce crucial documents even after three months of the tragedy
About three months after the Carlton Towers fire tragedy that claimed nine lives and injured over 60, the investigation is still pending.
The Carlton Towers Owners' Association (CTOA), the main accused in the case, is yet to submit crucial documents and details about the loss of property and the occupants to the fire department.
This has hampered investigation and delayed submission of the report to the government for further action.
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"How can we go ahead with the process when we have not received crucial details?" asked Fire Force Deputy Director (Technical) B G Chengappa.
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The CTOA, which has now been replaced with new members, insists the fire was a natural accident.
An ex-member said, "We are fed up with negative reports published in newspapers and on TV channels. This was a natural accident and no one knows how the fire broke out."
The prime accused and president of CTOA, Anurag Jain, said, "We were supposed to submit the details regarding the loss of property, the occupants but they are pending as these have not been furnished to us.
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We should complete the process in a week's time. We started the renovation work about 10 to 15 days ago.
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I hope the work will be completed in another two to three months. After the building is ready we will have to wait for the Fitness Certificate from the city corporation."
Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has already submitted its report to the police, fire department and to the government.
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"The occupancy certificate was issued 10 years ago. There were some violations in the building structure. The police will deal with that issue," BBMP joint commissioner Narasimha Murthy said.
The Tragedy |
On February 23, a fire broke out in the fifth floor of the seven-storey Carlton Towers. Six men and three women lost their lives, while over 60 were injured. |