Major fire erupts at Madanapalle Sub-Collector's office, key files destroyed

MADANAPALLE: A major fire broke out at the Sub-Collector's office in Madanapalle, Annamayya district, late Sunday night, resulting in extensive damage to the building and the destruction of crucial documents. The fire, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, gutted various files, including those related to land records and elections.

The incident was first noticed by a security guard who heard a loud noise and saw smoke emanating from the eastern side of the office around 11 PM. Fire tenders were promptly dispatched to the scene, but the flames had already caused significant damage by the time they arrived. It took nearly four hours to bring the fire under control.

Despite the destruction of hard copies, officials confirmed that digital records of the documents remain intact. No casualties or injuries have been reported.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, directing the Director General of Police and the CID Chief to visit the site and submit a detailed report. Preliminary assessments suggest that the timing of the fire, just before the new Sub-Collector was to assume duties, has raised suspicions of a potential conspiracy.

The investigation will focus on determining whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and a high-level review meeting has been called to discuss the incident further.