Fadnavis suspects sabotage in Mumbai beach fire

Maharshtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis suspects sabotage behind the fire breaking out on the stage of the Make-in-India week celebrations on the Chowpatty beach in Mumbai on Sunday. Fadnavis, who led the disciplined rescue of the VIPs and others at the venue, reasoned that the arrangements were so tight that the possibility of fire breaking out was negligible. But the way the sparks flew and fire spread pointed to a deliberate cause of fire. The fire started after the opening performances by veteran Dream Girl Hema Malini and Big B Amitabh. Fadnavis ordered a full-scale inquiry into the cause of the fire and inclusion of sabotage in its terms of reference. The Mumbai Crime Branch and the National Disaster Relief Force would join the investigations. Controversial film-maker Aamir Khan, whose performance was to follow, saw the fire from his make-up van on the beach, as he was getting ready. He said the fire spread rapidly, aired by strong winds from the sea. Aamir was appreciative of the Chief Minsiter's efforts to reach the people to safety.