A fire broke out early on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, destroying approximately 20 makeshift sheds inhabited by migrant labourers in Bandepalya, Bengaluru. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as most of the residents were away, having returned to their native places to cast their votes. Those present, primarily women and children, managed to escape the inferno unharmed, but witnessed their belongings turn to ashes.
Allegations of Sabotage Emerge Amidst Fire Incident
The affected families were engaged in rag-picking and garbage segregation for their livelihoods. The fire, which started in the early hours, quickly spread, engulfing the temporary structures. While emergency services and police personnel were dispatched to the scene to control the blaze, residents have voiced suspicions of foul play. Rafiqul Biswas, one of the affected individuals whose home and godown were destroyed, alleged that a man named Meezan, reportedly linked to an illegal Bangladeshi immigration network, visited his godown shortly before the fire erupted.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that local authorities, including MLA Satish Reddy, visited the site and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Amidst the chaos following the fire, some local residents reportedly entered the colony and looted remaining belongings. Authorities have secured CCTV footage from the vicinity and are actively investigating the precise cause of the fire and the allegations of sabotage. This incident echoes a similar fire that recently gutted a scrap godown belonging to another migrant worker in Lakshmipura, raising concerns about the recurring nature of such accidents in settlements.
Investigation Underway, CCTV Footage Secured
The police have detained four women, two youths, and two children from the settlement for questioning, as they are suspected of being illegal immigrants. However, the affected residents stated that all their identification documents were destroyed in the fire. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, alongside the police, worked to contain the situation. The MLA has directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation, with particular attention to the sabotage allegations. The recovery of CCTV footage from nearby areas is expected to provide crucial evidence in determining the sequence of events leading to the fire.
The incident highlights the precarious living conditions of many migrant labourers in the city and raises serious questions about safety and security within these settlements. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities attempting to piece together the events and identify any responsible parties for the alleged sabotage and the subsequent looting.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
