Pune: A devastating fire engulfed the home of a labor supervisor in the densely populated Pimple Gurav area of Pimpri-Chinchwad city around 11:30 AM on Thursday (January 23).
The incident, which occurred in a slum near Kashid Park, has left daily wage workers and their families in despair. The blaze destroyed cash worth ₹5.7 lakh and gold ornaments weighing approximately 4.5 tolas (45 grams).
The fire broke out in a tin-roofed slum, where daily wage workers reside. Due to the densely populated nature of the area, the PCMC fire brigade faced difficulties in accessing the site. Despite these challenges, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within 20 minutes. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
The house affected by the fire belonged to Kariappa Gundapur, a labor supervisor. Reports indicate that the destroyed cash and gold belonged to two centering contractors—Vitthal Panhale from Baner and Gajanan Gadade from Hinjewadi. The police have launched an investigation to determine the source of this significant amount of money.
The incident has severely affected the lives of daily wage workers in the area. Families have been left with no possessions as the fire reduced their homes to ashes. Videos and photos of the aftermath reveal the extent of the devastation.
The police are scrutinizing how such a large amount of cash was stored in the slum. Questions have been raised regarding the source of the funds and whether proper documentation exists. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
