Delhi arson: 17-year-old among four held for Tughlakabad fire that killed 3
Synopsis
What began as a petty monetary dispute ended in three deaths and eight injuries when a group allegedly hired a minor to set a scooter ablaze — and the fire consumed an entire five-storey building. The Tughlakabad arson case, with a 17-year-old at its centre, exposes how personal vendettas can turn catastrophic in densely packed urban neighbourhoods.
Key Takeaways
A five-storey residential building in Tughlakabad Extension, Delhi was set on fire at 2:24 a.m. on 12 June in a deliberate act of arson.
Three people — Pankaj , Sonia Kumari , and Sushila Devi — died; at least eight others were injured.
A 17-year-old minor girl and three adults — Sarita , Niranjan , and Rajkumar — have been apprehended.
The fire was allegedly orchestrated by Niranjan and Rajkumar to avenge a personal dispute with a building resident named Deepak .
Charges including Culpable Homicide and Criminal Conspiracy under the BNS have been added to the case.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
A deadly fire that gutted a five-storey residential building in Delhi's Tughlakabad Extension in the early hours of 12 June, killing three people and injuring at least eight, was a deliberate act of arson rooted in personal enmity, police confirmed on Sunday, 14 June. Four accused — including a 17-year-old minor girl — have been apprehended in connection with the case.
How the Fire Was Set
The blaze was reported at 2:24 a.m. on Friday at a building in Tughlakabad Extension, under the Govindpuri area of south Delhi. CCTV footage reviewed during the investigation showed a woman entering the premises shortly before the fire erupted, leading investigators to classify the incident as a 'deliberate act of arson'.
According to police, the 17-year-old was allegedly instigated by one Sarita, aged 27, to supply petrol and a matchbox with the stated intent of burning the scooter of a building resident named Deepak over a monetary dispute. The fire, however, spread to the entire structure.
The Conspiracy Behind the Attack
During interrogation, Sarita reportedly disclosed that the conspiracy was planned at the behest of Niranjan, a 33-year-old resident of Navjeevan Camp, Govind Puri, and his 27-year-old brother Rajkumar, to settle a personal score. Investigators have since added multiple charges to the case, including Section 61 (Criminal Conspiracy), Section 105 (Culpable Homicide), Section 110 (Attempt to Culpable Homicide), Section 326(g) (Mischief by Fire), and Section 331(4) (Lurking House-Trespass by Night) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Victims Identified
The three people who lost their lives have been identified as Pankaj and Sonia Kumari, both children of Subhash Chand Pandey, and Sushila Devi. At least eight others sustained injuries and were rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
Rescue Challenges and Ongoing Probe
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) Assistant Divisional Officer Yashwant Singh Meena had earlier noted that the building — comprising a ground floor and five upper floors — was situated in a narrow lane, which posed significant challenges for both rescue teams and firefighting operations. The initial case was registered under Sections 287 and 106(1) BNS (erstwhile Sections 304A and 285 IPC) before additional charges were added following the arson findings.
Police said the investigation is continuing, with authorities examining the full chain of the alleged conspiracy.
Point of View
And this case should prompt a hard look at both fire safety enforcement and the speed of arson investigation protocols.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Tughlakabad building fire on 12 June?
The fire was a deliberate act of arson, according to police. It was allegedly planned by Niranjan and his brother Rajkumar to settle a personal dispute with a building resident named Deepak, with a 17-year-old minor allegedly used to deliver petrol and a matchbox to the site.
How many people died in the Tughlakabad fire?
Three people died — Pankaj and Sonia Kumari, both children of Subhash Chand Pandey, and Sushila Devi. At least eight others were injured and taken to Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
Who has been arrested in the Delhi arson case?
Four people have been apprehended: a 17-year-old minor girl, Sarita (27), Niranjan (33), and his brother Rajkumar (27). All are accused of conspiring to set the building ablaze.
What charges have been filed in the Tughlakabad arson case?
Police initially registered a case under Sections 287 and 106(1) BNS. After the arson angle emerged, additional charges were added — Criminal Conspiracy (Section 61), Culpable Homicide (Section 105), Attempt to Culpable Homicide (Section 110), Mischief by Fire (Section 326g), and Lurking House-Trespass by Night (Section 331(4)) under the BNS.
Why was it difficult to fight the Tughlakabad building fire?
Delhi Fire Services ADO Yashwant Singh Meena noted that the six-floor building was located in a narrow lane, which severely restricted access for fire engines and rescue teams, complicating both firefighting and evacuation efforts.
