Netas allege civic neglect for market blaze that killed 2 in Maharashtra

Thane: The Thursday tragedy at the Gaondevi vegetable market, which claimed two lives and left three injured, has triggered strong political backlash, with leaders across party lines blaming the civic administration for failing to act despite repeated warnings.

Activists said the three-level structure, visited by thousands daily, was a “potential disaster site” because of multiple safety violations. The ground floor housed the vegetable market, the basement was used for parking, and the first floor accommodated the Deputy District Registrar’s office and Naupada-Kopri ward office.

Rahul Pingale, newly elected Congress City District President, said he repeatedly flagged serious risks, including unauthorised constructions, blocked staircases, ramp encroachments, poor fire safety systems, and the absence of an Occupancy Certificate (OC) and final fire NOC, all of which could have led to a major disaster.

“I met the Municipal Commissioner and highlighted the dangerous condition of the building. A fire department inspection was done and a report submitted, but no action followed. Illegal constructions were not removed and fire safety was not ensured. The OC process is still pending. This is administrative negligence, and action must be taken against responsible officials,” he said.

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare questioned whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate. He said only vegetable vending should have been allowed, but violations were ignored. “There is suspicion the market was being shifted for commercial redevelopment. This must be investigated,” he said.

NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad criticised the civic body for prioritising cosmetic works like flyover painting while ignoring core urban needs and leaving key posts vacant, saying governance was being handed to contractors.

BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar also demanded strict action against responsible officials as a deterrent, while activist Rajeev Datta alleged misuse of stalls, claiming vendors sublet spaces to garment and food traders, and demanded accountability from officials and traders instead of burdening taxpayers.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited the site, announced a comprehensive fire safety and structural audit of the building and similar structures, and assured rehabilitation of affected traders within the same building at the earliest.