Two detained in connection with fire incident at Bengaluru civic agency

Bengaluru (IANS). The Bengaluru Police on Saturday detained two suspects on charges of negligence in connection with the fire that broke out at the premises of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Sources confirmed that both the men are members of the quality control wing and staff working in the laboratory.

Speaking to reporters, Central Division DCP Srinivasa Gowda said that BBMP officials had lodged a complaint regarding the incident late on Friday night.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the fire started while testing the quality of bitumen (a black or dark brown non-crystalline clay or sticky substance) using the chemical Benzene.

The DCP said that a team from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also inspected the site and investigation is on. But the exact cause of the fire will be ascertained only after the report comes.

Nine injured BBMP personnel including engineers have suffered 25 to 30 per cent burns in the incident and their statements have been recorded.

The DCP informed that the officials are probing whether there was any negligence, whether permission was taken to conduct the test and whether proper protocol was followed.

Soon after the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had visited the spot late on Friday night.