Zee exclusive: Mumbai's Kamala Mills fire a result of 'unholy nexus' between men in power?

Zee News' Rakesh Trivedi reports that several prominent and well-connected people had invested in the two restaurants in Kamala Mills where fire broke out. Were permissions granted out of turn? Were safety measures compromised? Or was there something sinister at play?

Mumbai: At least 14 people died and several others injured in a tragic fire that engulfed a multi-storey building in Kamala Mills late Thursday night. What was meant to be a casual unwinding session post office on a weekday turned into an absolute nightmare for those inside the building - a nightmare that has not just shocked the Millenium City but stunned the entire country as well.

Some, though, are not surprised.

The fire reportedly started at a rooftop restaurant of the Trade House building and spread within minutes. According to sources, the fourth floor of the building - with an area of approximately 10,000 square feet - was divided into two parts. The two restaurants which operated here are One Above - owned by Sanghvi, and Mojo's Bistro.

The entry and exit of 'One Above'

It is learnt that bartenders at Mojo Bistro - a place where the roof was made of bamboo and plastic - regularly conducted fire shows to entertain guests. Initial investigations hint that flames from one such show on Thursday night may have led to the blaze.

There may be an even more sinister reason behind the fire.

Mojo Bistro is owned by Yug Pathak, son of IPS Officer KK Pathak. An investor from Pune, Yug Tuli, is a partner. Siddharth Mahadevan, son of noted singer Shankar Mahadevan, is also a partner. The company is registered as Tirupati Restaurant and Cafe Pvt Limited.

Left to Right: Yug Tuli, Siddharth Mahadevan, Pritina Shrestha, Soumil Shringarpure and Yug Pathak

A sitting MLA of BJP in Nagpur had recently helped the restaurant obtain certain - possibly operation-related - permissions. The brother-in-law of this MLA is also one of the investors here.

Now, Zee News has learnt that one of the partners was recently asked to withdraw his investment due to an ongoing clash for control. He was reportedly told, however, that he would only get his principal amount back. The fire has resulted in questions being raised on whether this may have created mala fide intentions which culminated in the terrible tragedy.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his anguish on Twitter and said that he has directed BMC Commissioner to conduct an in-depth enquiry.