Tughlakabad Fire Tragedy: Teen Girl and Three Others Arrested as Delhi Police Uncover Alleged Revenge Plot Behind Deadly Blaze

In a startling breakthrough in the Tughlakabad building fire case that claimed three lives, Delhi Police have alleged that the devastating blaze was triggered after a teenage girl set a scooter on fire as part of a revenge-driven conspiracy linked to a personal dispute.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari, a 17-year-old girl has been apprehended in connection with the incident.

During interrogation, she allegedly told investigators that a 27-year-old woman had encouraged her to target a scooter belonging to a resident named Deepak, who lived on the fifth floor of the same building.

The woman allegedly provided petrol and a matchbox to carry out the act, reportedly due to a financial disagreement.

Police further claimed that the woman revealed the plan had been orchestrated by a 33-year-old resident and his brother.

Investigators allege the two men sought revenge over a personal dispute and were instrumental in plotting the incident that ultimately led to the fatal fire.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of June 12. At approximately 2:24 a.m., a fire broke out inside Building No. RZ-171/1 in Gali No. 1 of TKD Extension, Tughlakabad.

The flames quickly spread from the ground floor through multiple levels of the building, trapping residents and causing widespread panic.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations. Several occupants were evacuated from the building, while eight injured individuals were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.

Despite medical efforts, three members of the same family succumbed to their injuries.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Pankaj, his 20-year-old sister Soni and their 70-year-old grandmother, Sushila Devi.

Their deaths turned what initially appeared to be an accidental fire into a high-profile criminal investigation.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, police registered a case under Sections 287 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to negligent conduct and causing death by negligence.

Investigators then began examining the circumstances that led to the fire.

The direction of the investigation changed significantly after officers reviewed CCTV footage from the area.

According to police, the recordings showed a woman entering the premises shortly before the blaze erupted, raising suspicions that the fire may have been deliberately set.

Following an intensive probe, police tracked down and detained the teenage girl in the early hours of Sunday.

Three adults accused of being involved in the alleged conspiracy were also arrested.

Investigators believe the fire started with the scooter and rapidly engulfed the building, resulting in extensive damage, multiple injuries and the deaths of three residents.

In light of the latest findings, police have invoked several additional and more serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempt to commit culpable homicide, mischief by fire and lurking house-trespass by night.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to piece together the complete sequence of events and assess the precise role played by each accused in the alleged conspiracy.