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The building was earlier known as the Sales Tax Bhavan. Now it is called as GST Bhavan, since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. The fire officials also informed that the fire flared up because of papers, wooden furniture, and construction materials lying on upper floors. Renovation and internal shifting work was being carried out in the government-owned building.

Figure 1- Reportedly, several important documents damaged, including those belonging to audit section of the Department of Goods and Services Tax and files related to the appellate authority — which handles disputes on recovery and payments.

Image Source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/pk0do8/article30846908.ece/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/18BMFIRE1

Eye witnesses informed that, most employees used the staircase to run out to safety. People on the ninth floor were evacuated by fire-fighters and PWD officials. The staircase was clear and therefore, people on the upper floors could climb down as the electricity was cut off. Fortunately there was no casualty or major injury and all were evacuated safely.

However, the inferno gutted several important documents, including those belonging to audit section of the Department of Goods and Services Tax and files related to the appellate authority — which handles disputes on recovery and payments.

The fire had resulted in the loss of important documents. While these documents would be recreated since they have been digitized to be safely restored on an external server, the procedures in some disputed matters where the ruling is pending could be delayed. The government response to the audit points raised by external agencies could also be delayed.

Though the exact reason has not yet been ascertained; according to some well-informed sources a short circuit in an air-conditioner led to the combustion. Surprisingly, it has also been alleged that building’s fire-fighting system was “not fully functional”. Moreover, whether the fire audit was carried out properly is also a matter of thorough investigation. Its indeed incomprehensible, how could there be such potentially detrimental apathy towards fire safety in an establishment where such important government function is carried out by a workforce of around 3,500???

Fortunately, the fire hydrants were in working condition. The hydrants and the underground water tank were also used in dousing the fire along with almost sixteen fire-engines and at least five fire-tenders operated by around 120 firemen.

Show of true patriotism-

Amid the chaos and evacuation, a peon at GST Bhavan, Mr. Kunal Jadhav, ran to the terrace to pull down the Tricolor, to prevent it from burning. According to the accounts of Mr. Jadhav, he was clearing the parking area as the fire vehicles, which were on their way, would need space. After someone mentioned about it, he saw that the wind was forcing the flames to blow towards the flag. He took it as his prime duty to prevent any damage to the national flag out of his patriotic emotions and sheer respect and love for our tricolor. Eventually, he climbed onto the terrace from other side and saved it with its due honour.