Delhi Tughlakabad fire: Three arrested, minor detained in alleged arson plot

What was initially believed to be an accidental fire caused by an electrical short circuit in Delhi's Tughlakabad area has now been revealed as a case of deliberate arson, according to the police.

The fire, which broke out in a five-storey residential building on June 12, claimed three lives and left several others injured.

According to an NDTV report, Police have arrested three people — Niranjan (33), his brother Rajkumar (27), and Sarita (27) — in connection with the case. A 17-year-old girl has also been detained.

Investigators say the incident was linked to a financial dispute between Niranjan and his cousin Deepak, who lived in the same building.

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The breakthrough came after police examined CCTV footage that showed a girl entering the building shortly before the fire started. Her identification and subsequent questioning led police to uncover what they describe as a criminal conspiracy.

CCTV footage leads to arrests

According to police, the detained minor admitted during questioning that she set fire to a scooter parked on the ground floor of the building shortly after midnight. The scooter allegedly belonged to Deepak, the cousin of one of the accused.

Investigators claim that Sarita encouraged the girl to carry out the act and provided her with petrol and a matchbox. The fire quickly spread through the building, reaching the upper floors and trapping several residents inside.

Police said the act was allegedly motivated by an ongoing financial dispute between Deepak and Niranjan, who had recently been released from jail in another case.

Three dead, several injured

The fire broke out in a residential building located in Gali Number 1 of Tughlakabad. Authorities received the first emergency call at around 2:30 am.

A large rescue operation was launched as thick smoke filled the building. Eight residents were rescued and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.

Three people — identified as Pankaj, Sushila Devi and Sonia Kumari — later died during treatment. Several others sustained injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Serious charges invoked

According to the report, Police have registered charges including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempted murder, mischief by fire and trespassing against the accused. Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in planning or executing the crime.

The case has highlighted how a personal dispute allegedly escalated into a deadly incident that resulted in the loss of innocent lives and extensive damage to property.