Bengaluru, Aug 16 – A devastating fire at Krishna Complex in Nagarthpet, near Bengaluru’s bustling K.R. Market, claimed five lives, including two children, after a 12-hour rescue operation by Fire and Emergency Services and police on Saturday.
The victims have been identified as 38-year-old Madan Singh, his wife Sangeetha (33), their sons Mitesh (8) and Vihaan (5), and another resident, Suresh. Madan’s family lived on the fourth floor of the commercial building, which also housed godowns storing plastic and rubber materials.
According to officials, the fire broke out around 3.15 am on Saturday on the ground floor and rapidly spread to the upper floors. While most residents managed to escape, Madan’s family was trapped inside their locked house. Due to thick smoke and flames, rescue personnel faced immense challenges in retrieving the bodies.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who visited the site, said preliminary observations suggested an electrical short circuit as the cause. “The Forensic Science Laboratory has collected samples, and the exact cause will be confirmed after their report,” he stated, adding that discussions with the Chief Minister will be held regarding compensation for the victims’ families.
Parameshwara highlighted the unsafe condition of such multi-storey buildings in congested areas, where godowns and residences coexist. “The BBMP must pay attention to regulating such structures. Trade licenses are given, but enforcement is lacking. We only learn of such violations after tragedies,” he remarked.
Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed that 18 fire tenders were deployed but narrow lanes delayed operations. Building owners have been identified as Sandeep and Balakrishna. Local MLA Uday Garudachar and senior police officials also inspected the site.
The deceased Madan Singh hailed from Rajasthan. The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety norms in Bengaluru’s commercial hubs.
