Vasai-Virar, Oct 14: Two women were killed after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storey Imperial Heights building in the Achole area on the Nalasopara-Vasai Link Road in Maharashtra Palghar district, triggering panic among residents and trapping several people on the upper floors.

The fire broke out around 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday night, prompting an emergency response from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s fire department, police and administrative officials. A large-scale rescue operation was launched using fire engines, turntable ladder (TTL) machines and specialised equipment. Around 25 to 30 people were safely evacuated from the building.

The deceased have been identified as Falguni Shah (50) and Ashwini Parkar (50). Preliminary information suggests that they may have died due to smoke inhalation.

Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. said the fire was reported at around 11.30 p.m., following which fire personnel, police officers and administrative officials rushed to the spot and began rescue operations.

According to the Commissioner, around 15 to 20 people were initially rescued with the assistance of firefighters and TTL machines, while several other residents managed to descend safely from the building.

He said nearby banquet halls and hotels had been made available to provide temporary accommodation to families affected by the incident.

The Commissioner added that a detailed investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The probe will examine the building’s construction permissions, fire safety approvals, the condition of firefighting systems and the possibility of a short circuit in the electrical panel. Appropriate action will be taken if any negligence or safety deficiencies are found, he said.

He further stated that saving lives remained the top priority during the rescue operation. Given the intense heat in the stairwell, firefighters assessed the situation carefully and worked to secure trapped residents before evacuating them in a planned manner.

Rohan More, Chief Fire Officer of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, said local corporator Ashok Shelke informed him about the incident around midnight. By that time, two fire engines from the Achole area had already reached the location.

More said the fire was initially reported on the fourth floor, but its severity became apparent when the fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene. Several residents were trapped on the upper floors, making their safe evacuation the department’s immediate priority.

Eight people were rescued from outside the building with the help of a special TTL machine. Overall, around 25 to 30 people were reported to have been evacuated, including residents rescued from different locations.

According to the Chief Fire Officer, the fire was particularly intense on the 13th and 14th floors. Traces of fire or embers were also found on the third and ninth floors, while the door leading to the refuge floor on the 12th floor was engulfed in flames. Firefighters conducted operations across multiple floors to contain the blaze and rescue residents.

Several fire engines, water tankers, water-browsers, and specialised water towers were deployed to bring the fire under control. Private water tankers were also called in to support the firefighting operation. More said the exact cause of the fire would be established only after the investigation was completed.

Dr Kavita Jagada, in charge of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s Tulinj Hospital, told media that both women had sustained minor burn injuries. Preliminary findings suggested that they had likely died after inhaling smoke into their lungs. Following completion of the panchnama, or inquest proceedings, their bodies were sent to the mortuary in Vasai West. The final cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem reports are received.

Following the incident, Vasai-Virar Mayor Ajeev Patil, Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade, City Engineer Pradeep Pachange, ACP Sunil Jaibhaye, the senior police inspector of the MBVV Police Station and other police personnel reached the scene to oversee the situation and rescue efforts.

The ‘INDIA’ alliance organized a march to the Supreme Court in Delhi, attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Members of Parliament from the alliance. Following this protest, it appears that the ‘INDIA’ alliance has adopted an aggressive stance. Commenting on the protest, Eknath Shinde remarked that yesterday was a ‘black day’ in the country’s history. He observed that the Constitution and the constitutional institutions established by Babasaheb were trampled upon. An unprecedented event occurred where a march to the Supreme Court was undertaken to exert pressure. Condemning the actions of Rahul Gandhi and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, he stated that no amount of condemnation would be enough. While acknowledging their right to protest in a democracy, he questioned the method of leading a march merely to file a petition. He emphasized that they should apologize for attacking India’s judicial system. Claiming that they are actively working to destroy the Constitution and strangle democracy, he added that the current situation poses a danger to the country. He expressed suspicion regarding the involvement of foreign forces, suggesting it could be part of an international conspiracy. Eknath Shinde said, “It is extremely unfortunate that they are pushing the country towards chaos; this is dangerous for the nation.” He added that since they cannot win elections or defeat the Prime Minister, they are resorting to such tactics. Shinde also leveled serious allegations, stating that the opposition is undermining the country’s freedom. Attempts are being made by foreign powers to destabilize the country. He emphasized the need to consistently speak out against their anti-national mindset. They operate under the conviction that they will not come to power at the Centre; this very thought drives their daily actions. It was the opposition itself that once attempted to destroy the Constitution. Referring to the Emergency, Shinde asked: if an Emergency were in place today, would protests even reach the Supreme Court? Nowadays, everyone is free to express their views. Is the current situation an Emergency, or was that the Emergency? Back then, everything was shut down. Is it right to march towards the judiciary and insult it? They talk about ‘breaking India’ and protest while threatening to leave the country. They know their demands are flawed; they are aware they will not get justice because their demands are baseless. They had protested against the increase in voter turnout. Now, if names are removed from the voter list, they protest—even though ‘Form 6’ exists to ensure no injustice occurs. It was merely a drama staged by ‘immature’ (shortsighted) people, all for the sake of gaining power. This is an insult to Lord Shiva; they lack wisdom. If the ‘third eye’ were to open, the ‘INDIA’ alliance would be wiped out. When people gather, they simply step out of their homes; they do not have to travel far—they find a ready-made platform and join in. They simply want to speak out against Modi. They claim that Modi has rendered them unemployed, so what other option do they have but to protest?

Mumbai, Oct 13: Highlighting Maharashtra’s competitive edge, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday affirmed that the state stands at the forefront of creating a robust ecosystem for industrial investment across sectors.

Speaking at the launch of the Maharashtra-UK Partnership program, the Chief Minister urged UK-based institutions and business leaders to actively invest in the state.

CM Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra offers a well-established framework integrating skilled manpower, capital, and technology.

To facilitate swift execution for investors, he assured that all state agencies concerned would seamlessly coordinate through the ‘Invest Maharashtra’ single-window platform.

He emphasised that the visit of the high-level UK delegation—comprising Secretaries of State, Mayors, and senior officials—was not merely a ceremonial visit, but a concrete initiative to transform shared ambitions into active businesses and formal agreements.

Following bilateral talks between the state leadership and the UK delegation, formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged to expand cooperation across critical growth sectors.

CM Fadnavis pointed out that Mumbai bridges international finance, trade, and entrepreneurship directly with global markets. Concurrently, Pune has developed into a major hub for engineering, automotive manufacturing, and Information Technology (IT).

Under the New Education Policy (NEP), international institutions are now permitted to establish campuses in Maharashtra. Institutions such as the University of Bristol, University of York, and University of Aberdeen are setting up physical footprints in the state. Key upcoming projects like EduCity, MediCity, and AI Innovation City will bring together world-class research and global talent pool under one framework, said the CM.

According to the CM, the state offers immense potential for clean energy and sustainability initiatives, including industrial decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water resource management, intelligent transit systems, and resource recycling. The state government pledged complete support for global firms establishing Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and R&D facilities.

The strategic tie-up will unlock export potential for local manufacturers, food processing industries, technology startups, and small-scale entrepreneurs across Maharashtra, allowing them access to new markets and consumer bases in the United Kingdom, he stated.

Speaking at the occasion, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted that Maharashtra is the most natural entry point for UK businesses expanding into India.

“Maharashtra was chosen for its distinct economic strength, political stability, and strong leadership. The economy of Maharashtra alone exceeds that of Norway in Europe. We have not come here merely to sign a piece of paper; we seek tangible results and success. We look forward to working together to accelerate growth for both nations,” Reynolds remarked.

The UK delegation also included Dame Angela Eagle (Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scotland), Douglas Alexander (Minister of State), Sophie Bryce (Director of EU and International Trade), Harshbir Sangha (UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia), Harjinder Kang (UK Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India), alongside visiting British Mayors and officials.