10 bikes damaged in fire at Antop Hill leaves cops baffled

A case where as many as 10 motorcycles parked outside a residential building in Antop Hill were gutted in fire has baffled the police.

Owners of the motorcycles alleged that the bikes were set on fire purposefully. However, the police are probing whether the fire was set off due to an accidental spark. The bikes that were damaged mostly belonged to the people residing in the nearby slum at Motilal Nehru Marg.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday at CGS Colony in Antop Hill area. "We received a call around 3:45am informing us that 10 bikes have caught fire. A police team soon rushed to the spot. Fire brigade officials were also called and the fire was doused soon," said police sub-inspector Shivaji Mohite from Antop Hill police station.

He added: "Chemical analysis of the burnt bikes is being done and the reports are still awaited. The reports would clarify whether the fire was accidental or intentional."

So far, owners of four of the gutted bikes have come forward and have identified their bikes. One of the bike owners, Gopal Gupta, said that since there is no place to park where he lives he has been parking his two-wheeler at the spot where the incident occurred. "The fuel tank pipes of the bikes were tampered with before setting the bikes on fire," he said.

Meanwhile, the police have registered a case under section 435 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for causing mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage.