Key Facts
The Delhi Police has arrested a 17-year-old girl and three others for allegedly setting fire to a residential building in Govindpuri, southeast Delhi, on June 12, 2026. The blaze killed three members of a family and injured eight others.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out around 2:20 a.m. at a five-storey building in Tughlakabad Extension. It spread rapidly from the ground floor to the fifth floor. Eight injured persons were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. The deceased were identified as Pankaj Pandey, his sister Sonia, and their maternal grandmother Sushila Devi.
Investigation and Arrests
Initially, police registered a case under sections related to negligent conduct and causing death by negligence. However, after reviewing CCTV footage, officers noticed a woman entering the building shortly before the fire. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari stated, During the probe, teams examined CCTV footage from the area and noticed a woman entering the premises shortly before the fire broke out. Based on the evidence collected, police concluded that the blaze was a deliberate act of arson.
The minor girl, a resident of Navjeevan Camp in Govindpuri, was apprehended. She allegedly confessed that a 27-year-old woman named Sarita instigated her to set a scooter on fire inside the building. Sarita provided petrol and a matchbox, motivated by a monetary dispute with Deepak, a resident of the fifth floor.
Further investigation revealed that the conspiracy was orchestrated by Niranjan (33) and his brother Rajkumar (27), also from Navjeevan Camp, to settle a personal dispute. Apart from the minor, Sarita, Niranjan, and Rajkumar are being questioned and will be arrested soon, police said.
Charges and Legal Action
Police have added sections related to criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, attempt to culpable homicide, mischief by fire, and lurking house-trespass by night under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The minor girl and the three accused have been apprehended, and further investigation is underway.
What Readers Should Know
- The fire was not accidental but a planned arson.
- A personal dispute led to the tragic loss of three lives.
- Police acted swiftly based on CCTV evidence.
- The accused include a minor, highlighting the involvement of young individuals in serious crimes.
FAQ
How many people died in the Govindpuri fire?
Three people died: Pankaj Pandey, his sister Sonia, and their maternal grandmother Sushila Devi.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Govindpuri fire?
A 17-year-old girl, Sarita (27), Niranjan (33), and Rajkumar (27) have been apprehended.
What was the motive behind the arson?
The fire was set to settle a personal dispute involving a monetary issue with a resident of the building.