Jaipur. Local police have lodged a formal FIR against Anand Sethi, the proprietor of the Sethi Complex, after a devastating fire tore through the commercial hub in Minhari Ji Ka Katla, Badi Chaupar. The complaint alleges that the building was erected without proper approvals, that fire‑safety gear was either absent or non‑functional, that no Fire NOC was obtained, and that access routes were narrow and blocked.
The conflagration ignited on the second floor and smoldered for roughly 13 hours, rapidly engulfing goods stored across multiple shops and warehouses. Fire‑brigade crews were forced into an extended rescue and suppression effort to finally bring the flames under control.
Access Challenges Hampered Fire‑Fighting Efforts
According to the police report, fire‑tenders struggled to reach the site because the surrounding lanes were cramped and littered with obstacles. The lack of a clear approach compelled firefighters to improvise temporary ladders and hoses, further delaying containment.
Businesses and Losses
The blaze impacted a host of traders, including Satnam Madan Traders, Jitendra/Kamal, Kamal Agarwal, Shailendra Agarwal, Rajesh, Hasan, Ramesh/Rajesh, Rakesh Gupta’s Vimal Hosiery Agency, Chhotumai Purushottam, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Vikas Sharma, and several other storefronts numbered 201‑A through 206‑A. Vimal Hosiery Agency alone is estimated to have suffered damages worth ₹65–70 lakh, while the total loss across all affected units is still being evaluated.
Investigation Initiated
The FIR was filed following a complaint by Sub‑Inspector Narendra, and SHO Rakesh Khalia has been tasked with the investigation. Authorities will scrutinise the building’s structural compliance, the status of fire‑safety installations, the presence (or absence) of a Fire NOC, and any other regulatory shortcomings.
