Sources from the Fire and Rescue Services said the exact cause of the fire could only be confirmed after the on-site inspection and forensic research were completed. |Photo source: PTI
An expert team of officials from the Electrical Inspection Bureau, Kerala Fire Department and police began inspections of shopping malls near Kozhikode bus stands in Kerala on Monday (May 19, 2025), and a fire broke out on Sunday. Forensic experts also conducted separate inspections on site to determine the actual cause.
Police have arranged security arrangements around the building to prevent unauthorized entry. Traders were also blocked from entering the venue for security reasons.
According to preliminary estimates, the total loss from the incident is about Rs 750 crore, a source from the fire and rescue services said. They added that the exact cause of the fire was confirmed only after the on-site inspection and forensic research were completed.
Need fire inspection
Kozhikode Mayor Beana Philip said a steering committee meeting will be called soon to assess the situation and discuss further measures, including the need for a comprehensive fire audit in all commercial buildings.
She also made it clear that any violations by traders or officials related to security checks conducted earlier will be taken promptly.
Taxation Bureau officials said district collector Snehil Kumar Singh will soon meet with district-level officials who coordinated the rescue operations on Sunday. They said he had been asked to submit a report on the suspicious cause behind the incident to the Kerala National Disaster Management Agency (KSDMA).
As part of the legal measures, Casaba police registered a case and recorded statements from some businessmen at the scene on Sunday.
Police said more salesmen and businessmen’s statements will be recorded after receiving the forensic report.
publishing – May 19, 2025 at 11:33 am
