When will BMC wake up? BJP questions Sena-run body for Kamala Mill fire in Mumbai

Photo: Reuters

MUMBAI: Blame game has begun over who is responsible for the massive fire at Kamala Mills in Mumbai where 14 people were killed on Friday.

Calling it an unfortunate incident, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya hit out at the Shiv Sena run Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the lapse in security.

"BMC officials are responsible for the murder of people in Kamala Mills fire, second such incident in two weeks, when will the BMC wake up?," Somaiya said.

He said that a similar incident took place two weeks ago following which he had urged the authorities to take stock of the situation.

"Fire at Pub at Kamala Mill Compound Mumbai I had urged CM & BMC Commissioner to Order Special Fire Audit of all such Pub, Hooka Parlours & Farsan Mart/Workshops of Mumbai. 2 week back similar type of fire at Farsan Workshop Sakinaka 1 dozen people had died," Somaiya had tweeted.

He also added that "several such establishments at Kamla mills compound are illegal, part of which was regularised lately, the place where fire took place was illegal."

Following the incident, Somaiya and Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant got into an argument in the lower house of Parliament.

Argument between BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Lok Sabha over #kamalamillsfire — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017

The government has assured that a probe will be conducted into the incident. "It is a very unfortunate incident. The state government and BMC will surely inquire into the incident and strict action will be taken against guilty," MoS Home Hansraj Ahir said.

Expressing grief, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said an enquiry has been ordered. 

"Disturbing to know about the loss of lives in unfortunate Kamala Mills fire incident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed the BMC Commissioner to conduct an in-depth enquiry," Fadnavis said in a tweet.

In another tweet, the chief minister said that he has directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (Ajoy Mehta) "to take strong action against erring officials immediately".

Fourteen people were killed and 21 others injured after a major fire broke out at One Above pub, located on the third floor of the Trade House Building in Kamala Mills compound on Senapati Bapat Marg in Lower Parel shortly after midnight.