Death toll rises to 22 in Surat fire after 2 more students succumb to injuries

The death toll in the massive fire that broke out in Sarthana area of Surat, Gujarat on Friday evening, rose to 22 today.

The toll increased after two students succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

The fire broke out on the second floor of a building in Takshashila Apartments, ripping through the interior design coaching centre. 

Following the deadly fire, the Surat Deputy chief fire officer SK Acharya and Fire officer Kirti Modh were suspended.

Earlier, an FIR had been registered against three people in connection to the massive fire.

Satish Sharma, Commissioner of Surat Police told media that an FIR against the builders of the complex - Harshal Vekaria and Jignesh - and the owner of the coaching centre Bhargav Bhutani. 

Sharma added that the police have arrested the man who used to conduct the tuition classes. 

The case was registered under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and section 114 (abettor present when an offence is committed) of the Indian Penal Code in Sarthana police station against coaching centre owner Bhargav Bhutani and builders of the complex - Harshal Vekaria and Jignesh, Surat police said.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani said an investigation committee was set up to investigate the matter.

"It was unfortunate, more than 20 youth died. We have constituted an investigation committee, Urban Secretary has been asked to file a report based on which we will take action. Builder and Manager have been arrested, Rupani said.

He had earlier ordered an investigation into the incident and declared a financial help of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the victims.