Bengaluru: Owner of gutted-EV showroom arrested; fire had killed woman on eve of her birthday

The owner of an Electric Vehicle (EV) showroom in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, has been arrested following a deadly fire that completely destroyed the establishment. Puneeth Kumar, who owns the showroom, was apprehended from his residence in Yeshwantpur on charges of dereliction of duty. The incident, which occurred on November 19, tragically claimed the life of 25-year-old Priya, an accountant at the showroom, who was trapped and engulfed by the flames.

Also Read: Bengaluru EV inferno: Deceased 25-yr-old accountant was supposed to celebrate her birthday tomorrow

The tragic death is made even more poignant as it coincides with Priya’s birthday. Her father, who had gifted her new clothes just a day before the incident, was left devastated and inconsolable at the loss of his daughter. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with concerns raised over the safety protocols in place at the showroom.

This incident has sparked growing concerns about the safety of electric vehicle showrooms and the associated risks, particularly with the increasing number of EVs on the road. Experts are calling for stricter safety regulations and regular inspections to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. The fire’s impact has cast a shadow over the otherwise promising future of electric vehicles, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures in the industry. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fire's cause and the showroom's compliance with safety standards.