In the aftermath of a devastating fire that claimed five lives in Bengaluru’s Nagarathpete, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has placed responsibility on owners of unauthorized buildings. Visiting the site on Sunday, Shivakumar declared that all structures lacking proper permits in the area would soon receive official notices. He added that such owners must either reinforce their buildings or face demolition.
“It is clearly the fault of the building owner. Notices will be issued to all. Either they strengthen their buildings or we will be forced to demolish them. All the structures here are unauthorized,” Shivakumar told reporters. He described the incident as “very painful,” adding that the state government has announced ₹5 lakh compensation for each of the victims’ families.
The Deputy CM confirmed that all five victims — Suresh, Madan, his wife Sangeeta, and their two children — hailed from Rajasthan. The fire, which broke out on Saturday inside a plastic mat manufacturing unit, quickly engulfed the premises, leaving no time for escape.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, who accompanied Shivakumar, revealed that preliminary findings point to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause. He confirmed that two building owners had already been arrested for violating safety norms and illegally adding floors without approval.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who also inspected the spot, termed the tragedy “deeply unfortunate” and said forensic teams are examining material evidence to determine the precise cause of the blaze.