Case files, records gutted in fire at at Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate Metro police station

NEW DELHI: In the early hours of Saturday, a major fire broke out at the Kashmiri Gate metro police station, causing extensive damage to the facility and its records.

The blaze was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. due to an electrical spark in the gallery of the police station, which rapidly spread through the building, the police informed.

KPS Malhotra, DCP Railways stated that the fire initially ignited in the ladies’ room due to the sparking and quickly engulfed the gallery within five minutes. The alert duty officer and other staff managed to evacuate the building safely, preventing any casualties.

Despite the swift response of the fire brigade, which dispatched 20 to 25 fire tenders to the scene, the fire spread rapidly, affecting various parts of the station, including the English office branches.

Critical records of the police station and case files handled by investigating officers were destroyed in the fire.

The conference hall was completely consumed by the flames. However, the fire brigade’s intervention saved the Malkhana, ensuring that arms, ammunition, and registers remained intact, Malhotra said.

In the English office, the offices of HAG, HAE, and Inspector Administration were completely burnt, including all the files they contained.

Other branches of the police station also suffered minor damages, the officials mentioned. The cause of the initial electrical spark is currently under investigation.

Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on ongoing investigations and administrative operations, Malhotra added.