A major fire broke out at the Hotel Grand Sarovar located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The fire, which engulfed the six-story building, triggered panic in the area but was brought under control swiftly due to timely response from the fire brigade team.

According to initial reports, the cause of the fire appears to be a short circuit, though officials from the fire department and local police have launched a full-scale investigation to confirm the actual cause. The hotel is owned by Pradeep Jaiswal, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, adding a political layer to the incident.

The fire reportedly began in the kitchen area of the hotel and quickly spread to the front section of the building. The blaze resulted in considerable damage to property, but no casualties were reported thanks to the prompt evacuation efforts carried out by the hotel staff and emergency responders.

Chief of the Sambhajinagar Fire Department, Sampat Bhagat, confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished and that the situation was under control. He stated, “After the fire broke out, four individuals were trapped inside the hotel premises. However, our team managed to rescue all of them safely and in time. The cause, as per our preliminary assessment, seems to be a short circuit, but a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact origin.”

The incident video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, shows thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the windows of the building, while firefighters worked from various angles to douse the flames. Onlookers were seen gathering at a safe distance as fire trucks, ambulances, and police personnel coordinated the rescue and firefighting operation.

Local authorities, along with fire safety inspectors, are expected to carry out a thorough inspection of the building’s electrical systems, emergency exits, and fire compliance measures. Questions are being raised about the hotel’s adherence to safety norms, especially considering it is located in a densely populated commercial area.

The incident has brought fire safety protocols in commercial establishments under scrutiny once again. In many parts of Maharashtra, hotels and banquet halls have been flagged in the past for non-compliance with fire safety audits, and this incident may prompt a statewide review of such facilities. Officials from the municipal corporation and fire department may soon begin inspection drives across similar properties to prevent recurrence of such events.

The political affiliation of the hotel’s owner, Pradeep Jaiswal, has naturally led to heightened public and media attention. While there is currently no indication of foul play, some opposition leaders have urged authorities to ensure transparency in the investigation process and called for a comprehensive audit of buildings owned or operated by public representatives.

This fire incident adds to the list of recent urban fire outbreaks in Maharashtra, where aging electrical infrastructure and inadequate enforcement of safety standards have often been blamed. Civic activists have repeatedly demanded stricter compliance with the National Building Code and fire department guidelines, particularly for commercial establishments like hotels, shopping complexes, and entertainment venues.

Citizens in the area expressed both relief and concern. While they were relieved that there were no human casualties, they voiced concerns over the lack of emergency preparedness and the potential risks posed to nearby residential and commercial properties.

Emergency services will remain stationed at the site for the next 24 hours as a precautionary measure, and a structural audit of the building is also expected to be conducted. Meanwhile, the hotel remains sealed off to the public, and its operations have been suspended pending clearance from the authorities.

As of now, fire investigators will prepare a detailed report which will be submitted to both the local municipal body and state-level departments, potentially triggering policy-level discussions around urban safety preparedness in Maharashtra.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular fire safety audits, well-maintained emergency equipment, and staff preparedness to respond to such emergencies. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be pivotal in determining whether negligence played a role and what corrective actions are warranted to prevent future occurrences.

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