Indore, March 20 (NationPress) - The devastating fire incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives, has ignited numerous inquiries. A survivor, Saurabh Pugalia, who is also a relative of one of the victims, asserted on Friday that the electric vehicle involved in the incident was not linked to the charging station. This claim is now under police scrutiny.

The initial findings from the Indore police indicated that the fire may have stemmed from an explosion at an EV charging point situated outside the residence. However, Saurabh, whose father, businessman Manoj Pugalia, was among the deceased, strongly dismissed this assertion, stating that no vehicle was connected at the time of the fire.

Saurabh emphasized that while the family frequently charged their electric car, it was not plugged in on the night of the incident. He posed a critical question, stating, "If nothing was plugged in, how could the charging point have caused a fire or short circuit?"

Furthermore, he refuted the police claim that electronic door locks hindered rescue operations following a power outage, insisting, "There were no electronic locks in the house; anyone can confirm this."

The police reported that multiple agencies, including the fire department and the Indore district administration, have commenced investigations, with their findings being pivotal to determining the cause of the incident.

According to Tilak Nagar Station House Officer Manish Lodha, the investigation is in its preliminary stages, with forensic teams having collected samples from the site. Various factors are being examined, including potential electrical faults and structural issues.

In response to Saurabh's assertions, Lodha commented, "We cannot dismiss anyone's perspective on what led to the incident. Our primary focus remains on our investigation to ascertain the true cause. We must await the findings from all involved agencies."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the bereaved family on Thursday, expressing concern over the usage of electrical appliances, like air conditioners, in confined spaces. He stressed the necessity for regular inspections of electrical systems in both residential and commercial properties.

During his discussion with Chief Minister Yadav, Saurabh conveyed that the fire was not a result of the vehicle charging process but rather a short circuit occurring at an electric pole.

The fire engulfed a three-storey residential building in Brijeshwari Annexe Colony, under the Tilak Nagar police jurisdiction, early Wednesday morning, leading to eight fatalities, including two minors.