Pune Minibus Fire Caused by Arson: Driver Charged in Fatal Incident

The tragic minibus fire in Pune’s Hinjewadi IT hub, which claimed the lives of four office-goers, has taken a shocking turn, with police now confirming that the incident was a deliberate act of arson. Investigations have revealed that the driver of the minibus used benzene, a highly flammable substance, to set the vehicle ablaze.  

Here’s a breakdown of the key developments:

From Accident to Arson:

• Initially, authorities suspected a short circuit as the cause of the devastating fire that engulfed the minibus on Wednesday morning. However, the intensity and rapid spread of the flames raised serious concerns.
• Forensic analysis, combined with meticulous examination of the vehicle and witness accounts, led investigators to suspect foul play.
• Through questioning, the driver, Janardan Hambardikar, confessed to intentionally setting the fire.  

Motive and Method:

• Police have stated that Hambardikar harbored deep-seated grudges against certain employees of the printing press company, Vyoma Graphics, for which he was employed.  
• Reports state that issues with his salary, and treatment from other employees, lead to the drivers actions.  
• He is said to have procured benzene, a chemical commonly used in printing presses, from the company premises.
• The driver then used the benzene to ignite cloth within the vehicle, resulting in the rapid and deadly conflagration.
• Reports also state that burnt matches where recovered from the scene.  
• The driver had planned to set the fire at the company location, but changed his mind, and set the fire while the vehicle was traveling.  

The Devastating Aftermath:

• Four employees were tragically killed in the fire, and several others sustained severe burn injuries.  
• The rapid spread of the flames and the inability of some passengers to escape contributed to the high casualty count.  
• The emergency exit of the minibus also appeared to have malfunctioned, further hindering escape efforts.  
• The names of the deceased have been released as Subhash Bhosale, Shankar Shinde, Gurudas Lokre, and Raju Chavan.  

Legal Proceedings:

• Hambardikar is currently in police custody, and will be formally arrested after he has concluded his medical treatment.
• He is being charged with murder.
• Police are continuing to investigate the exact source of the benzene, and gather all evidence related to the crime.

Community Impact:

• The incident has sent shockwaves through the Hinjewadi IT Park and the broader Pune community.
• Concerns have been raised about workplace safety and the need for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies.
• The families of the victims are receiving support, and the community is mourning the loss of life.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of workplace grievances and the importance of addressing them constructively. Authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that justice is served.