Fire leaves hot, happening nightspot in ashes

Thayil, who owns Gold Tower Terrace on Residency Road, was advised by some purohits to perform a havan, but the sacrificial fire that was lighted to carry his offerings to the deities yesterday left behind damage of Rs 31 lakh before it was doused by the fire brigade. Thayil is absconding since yesterday.

The fierce blaze also damaged a major section of discotheque Urban Edge, situated on the terrace of the building.

A fireman tries to douse the flames.

ACP Ulsoorgate sub-division Gachinakatti said, "The purohits informed us that the havan was conducted for Chetan Thayil's welfare. He was not doing well at business.

The havan was expected to better his life, but it ended in tragedy. We have arrested the 13 purohits who participated in the ceremony and Chetan's brother Mahesh Thayil."

The fire broke out on the terrace of the building at around 1.30 pm but luckily, there were no casualties.

IG Fire Force P S Sandhu said he was happy with the fire brigade's response. "As soon as we got the information, fire force officials rushed to the spot.

The situation was brought back to normal after two hours. Fourteen firefighting vehicles were pressed into service," said Sandhu.

"The structure on the terrace is illegal. While we do not know what the cause of fire was at this moment, it is clear that inflammable material like bamboo, foam and plastic sheets used in its construction contributed to it.
u00a0
We will take action on the persons involved in building this illegal structure. We have not issued an NOC for this construction.

We are investigating if they had sought mandatory permissions from the BBMP," said Jija Harisingh, director, Fire and Emergency Services.

Carlton James, who oversees operations at Urban Edge, said, "Actually, the place where the havan was conducted is not connected to our place.
u00a0
The havan fire was the main reason for the incident. I have filed an FIR with the Ashok Nagar police. Our kitchen, AC section, dance floor and toilet are completely gutted.

Liquor worth Rs 6 lakh was damaged too. When I informed Mahesh Thayil who was on the first floor about the fire, he called the fire brigade personnel, who were on the spot within 20 minutes.
u00a0
I would put the damage caused by the fire to around Rs 31 lakh."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!