A day after a fire in a commercial complex that shook the Texcity, two persons, including the manager of the facility, were arrested on Friday. Meanwhile, the owner of the commercial complex, Ramesh Aditya has absconded, according to the police.
Four women were charred to death and five others were injured in the blaze.
Bhaskar, who has been the manager of the complex for the past 15 years, and Mohanakrishnan, the manger of the Lakshmi Mills franchise of Sharekhan stock marketing company, were arrested and remanded.
Charges under section 304 and 338 of IPC for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others were slapped against the duo.
The commercial building had approval only for the ground and first floor whereas the office space of Sharekhan was situated on the third floor which was completely destroyed in the fire. Police also pointed out that the complex had no fire extinguishers or proper emergency exit.
Addressing reporters here, police commissioner A K Viswanathan said that a major mishap could have been averted had the building had adequate safety measures.
“Those arrested were aware of the violations that led to such a grave accident. Despite not having license for floor number three and four, the building was so congested that it made difficult for the inmates to escape during the emergency”, the commissioner said.
The commissioner also honoured workers of private firms and SETC buses who assisted during the early stages of rescue operations.