Nagpur: The Bajaj Nagar Police have booked officials of Reliance Smart Super Store and property owners of Yogiraj Suyog Palace for criminal negligence, illegal construction, and endangering public safety after a massive fire caused property damage worth nearly ₹60 lakh on October 21.

According to the complaint filed by Anil Dwarkadas Gandhi (68), a resident of Yogiraj Suyog Palace near Aath Rasta Square, the fire erupted around 8 pm in the parking area of the building. The blaze was allegedly triggered by the unauthorised construction and storage of flammable materials such as toilet cleaners and edible oils in the basement godown of Reliance Smart Mall.

Gandhi stated that he had repeatedly complained — both verbally and in writing — to the mall management and building owners, warning them about the fire hazards posed by the illegal encroachment in the parking area. Despite multiple alerts, the authorities failed to take corrective measures.

The complainant further alleged that the mall management did not conduct any fire audits since 2021 and ignored essential fire safety protocols, even after being aware of the risks. Due to the obstruction of the fire exit and unauthorised construction in the parking space, the blaze caused extensive damage to the apartment’s electrical systems, washing machines, air conditioners, and other valuables.

Following the complaint, police registered an offence under Sections 125, 126(1), 287, 329(1), 324(1), 326(F), 326(G), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is being led by Senior PI Ajay Mankar and API Sanjay Manskar of Bajaj Nagar police station.

Police have assured that strict action will be taken to ensure that no commercial establishment disregards government fire safety norms in future.