MSHRC issues notice to BMC chief over fires

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) on Thursday asked Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Ajoy Mehta to submit a detailed report on the two recent fire incidents – the one in a Farsan shop in Saki-Naka where 12 people died and the Kamala Mills fire which claimed lives of 14 people. MSHRC has asked Mehta to submit the report on or before January 29.

Advocate and BJP corporator Vivekanand Gupta, in his petition, sought an inquiry into the illegal structures and fire compliance of all rooftop restaurants, malls, shops, and establishments. Gupta had also asked for action against those violating building code and legal provisions.

The petition has sought that the MSHRC call for all documents and notings from the BMC and the fire department about the steps taken regarding illegal structures at the farsan shop and the Kamala Mills compound, complaints received, and subsequently, the action taken.

The petition also calls for an inquiry into the violation of human rights and for steps taken by agencies to prevent such incidents from recurring. Mehta said BMC will compile its report.