Probe ordered into fire at AP High Court

Hyderabad, September 01: An enquiry has been ordered into the fire incident at the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday.

The fire, which broke out in the wee hours, gutted eight judge chambers and damaged a library and a conference hall following which a probe has been ordered into the incident, Fire Brigade DG Aruna Bahuguna told reporters after inspecting the site.

Preliminary investigations point out that the fire started with a short circuit, she said.

However, we will enquire into all angles, the DG said, adding, “We have to ascertain whether the fire was first noticed in the first or second floor.”

Meanwhile, official sources said the High Court would be closed for two days in view of the fire.

State Law Minister M Venkataramana, who visited the ancient building built during the Nizam rule, said there was no damage to the court records and assured proper assessment in this regard.

Twelve fire engines and about 100 fire personnel battled for five hours to put off the flame which broke out at 0400 hours, officials said.

-PTI