Unanswered Questions Linger Over Tughlak Crescent Fire: Panel’s Report Omits Cause of Blaze
By The Trending People News Desk | May 30, 2025
New Delhi: Even after the submission of the three-member judicial probe panel’s report into the March 14 fire incident at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in New Delhi, serious questions remain unresolved — most notably, what caused the blaze that led to the shocking discovery of burnt cash in the outhouse of the premises.
Sources closely tracking the matter told The Trending People that the report, submitted to then-Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, fails to address the origin or cause of the fire, which many expected would be central to the investigation.
A Probe Without a Root Cause?
The panel was constituted on March 22, days after a mysterious fire broke out at 30, Tughlak Crescent, the official bungalow of Justice Varma. The fire, which engulfed the outhouse, led to the recovery of significant amounts of burnt cash, prompting widespread speculation and concern across legal and public spheres.
Despite this, legal analysts and sources familiar with the inquiry say that the panel did not thoroughly examine whether the fire was accidental, deliberate, or possibly arson.
“There were high-level references in the early stages suggesting the possibility of arson. It is surprising that such a critical angle was left unexplored,” said a source familiar with the proceedings, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
No Fire Forensics? Missed Opportunity, Say Observers
The committee did call in fire department officials to depose, but sources confirm that they were not questioned specifically about whether any investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted. This omission has left a significant gap in understanding what sparked the blaze and whether it is connected to the cash recovery.
The panel’s report reportedly places the onus of initiating a fire investigation on the judge himself — a decision that has raised eyebrows within the legal community.
“This raises concerns about procedural lapses in handling such a sensitive issue, especially when public trust and judicial integrity are at stake,” noted a senior advocate.
Justice Varma’s Cooperative Stance
According to sources, Justice Varma fully cooperated with the inquiry, choosing not to make any speculative statements and instead encouraging a fact-based investigation, particularly into the cause of the fire and its possible links to the recovered currency.
“Justice Varma expected that the inquiry would naturally extend to such a critical issue,” a source familiar with his position said.
This expectation, many believe, was grounded in logic and necessity. The fire’s cause was not just incidental — it was the trigger for the entire chain of events.
Legal Fraternity Weighs In
While the panel has been appreciated for its meticulous handling of an undeniably delicate and complex case, the lack of clarity regarding the fire’s origin has drawn criticism.
“Without determining how the fire started, it is difficult to draw meaningful conclusions or dispel doubts,” said a retired judge, speaking on condition of anonymity.
What's Next?
At a time when public confidence in institutional integrity is paramount, the lack of forensic clarity around such a consequential incident is a cause for concern. Legal experts now suggest that a separate, independent fire forensic inquiry may be necessary to fill this critical gap and bring closure to lingering questions.
Key Highlights:
- A three-member panel probed the March 14 fire at Justice Varma’s Tughlak Crescent residence.
- Despite the discovery of burnt cash, the panel did not examine the fire’s cause.
- Fire department officials were not questioned about potential arson or accidental triggers.
- Justice Varma remained fully cooperative, advocating a thorough fact-finding mission.
- Legal experts call for a follow-up forensic probe to clarify the origin of the blaze.