String of suspicious fires at Bhadrawati Range Office causes concern

Time of India

05-05-2025

Nagpur: The Forest Range Office premises in Bhadrawati has been experiencing a concerning series of unexplained fires. The latest incident occurred around 9.30pm on Sunday, when Round Officer Vikas Shinde's vehicle was completely burnt, raising significant security concerns about the premises.
This incident marks the fifth occurrence since April 12, when an initial fire broke out at the forest department's godown. Subsequent fires have affected various areas within the campus, including storage facilities and quarters. Notably, most destroyed items and documents have been connected to Round Officer Shinde. Sunday night's incident has intensified concerns about intentional wrongdoing.
The Bolero (MH 32-5437), stationed near Shinde's residential quarters on the office grounds, suddenly caught fire on Sunday night. According to witnesses, forest staff attempted to extinguish the flames using buckets and pipes whilst onlookers gathered. Despite their efforts, the vehicle was completely destroyed.
The situation was complicated by the non-arrival of a fire engine requested from the Municipal Council, leaving forest staff to handle the emergency independently.
The recurring nature of these fires targeting Shinde's work-related items has raised serious questions. Previous incidents damaged essential office records, wooden furniture, cement bags, oil paints, and brushes. Several fires occurred near Shinde's quarters, including one that destroyed a storage unit containing his official documents.
"These incidents appear suspicious and aren't typical electrical faults," stated Range Forest Officer (RFO) Kiran Dhankute. "While short circuits might explain two cases, the others require further investigation. The pattern is concerning, particularly as the affected items consistently relate to one officer. We've reported this to the police and initiated an internal investigation," she explained.
The local community and staff are considering whether these incidents result from internal interference, personal grievances, or a larger scheme. Police Inspector Lata Wadive is overseeing the investigation.
The forest department has increased security measures across the premises. The incidents have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern at the Range Office, with questions remaining about the perpetrator's identity and motives.
The situation remains unresolved, leaving authorities to determine whether these fires are attempts to destroy evidence, communicate threats, or create disorder.