At least 41 people were killed after a fire broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf city. The incident occurred around 6 am local time (around 9 am IST). The Kuwaiti health ministry said about 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire, and four of those people had died

“Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said.

Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information.

Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2024

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has issued a helpline number and said the fire accident involved some Indian workers and the Embassy will render all possible assistance.

In connection with the tragic fire-accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246.

All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance. https://t.co/RiXrv2oceo

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 12, 2024

“Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard,” he added.

“The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” News agency Reuters reported quoting a senior police commander.

“We always alert and warn against” cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers’ type of employment or place of origin.

The fire was contained and authorities were investigating its cause.

– With inputs from Reuters

The investigation into an 82-year-old man’s death in a hit-and-run in Nagpur has uncovered a grisly murder conspiracy allegedly hatched by his daughter-in-law for family property worth Rs 300 crore. Archana Manish Puttewar, assistant director in the town planning department, was arrested last week, over a fortnight after her father-in-law Purushottam Puttewar was run over by a car.

A police officer told news agency PTI that Ms Puttewar hired people for the hit and spent about Rs 1 crore. “She gave funds to the accused to purchase a used car to knock down her father-in-law. This was done to make the murder look like an accident. It is apparently to gain control of his property of Rs 300 crore,” the officer said.

The officer added that the 53-year-old woman allegedly plotted the murder with her husband’s driver Bagde and two other accused, Neeraj Nimje and Sachin Dharmik. Police have charged them with murder and other sections under the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act. Two cars, gold jewellery and mobile phones have been seized.

The police’s investigation has found that on the day of the incident, Purushottam Puttewar had gone to the hospital to meet his wife Shakuntala, who was recovering after a surgery. On his way back, the hired car ran him over. His son and Archana’s husband Manish is a doctor.

The investigation into the murder case, meanwhile, has also found gross irregularities in Ms Puttewar’s work in the town planning department. There were multiple complaints, but no action was taken owing to her political connections, the probe has found. She is accused of violating norms and clearing illegal layouts. Her arrest and the serious charge of plotting a family member’s murder may also prompt a deeper investigation into alleged irregularities in her work.

The trees whose leaves have fallen off and become bare are covered in green and golden colour by these flowers.