Mumbai: Unidentified Individual Sets IIT Bombay Computer Lab Ablaze; 6 Computers, 2 ACs, Projector Destroyed In Deliberate Act

Mumbai: A shocking incident occurred at IIT Bombay in Powai when an unidentified individual intentionally set fire to a computer lab. The incident resulted in significant damage, including six computers, four chairs, a computer projector and screen, and two air conditioners destroyed, causing a total loss of Rs.1.50 lakh. The fire broke out between 6.15 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. on December 31. 

About The Incident

According to the police, the suspect poured a kerosene-like substance into the lab and set it ablaze. The Powai police registered a case on January 3 against an unidentified individual under Section 326(f) (mischief involving injury, fire, or explosive substances) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to the FIR, Pankaj, a Ph.D. student, noticed smoke coming from the computer lab at around 8.45 p.m. on December 31. He immediately informed Assistant Professor Chandrashekhar Tyagrajan, 33, via mobile phone. Tyagrajan rushed to the scene, where students and other individuals had already opened the lab and found it filled with thick smoke.

Security guard Rajendra Yadav promptly notified the fire brigade, which arrived quickly and controlled the situation. Once the smoke cleared, Professor Tyagrajan and Head of Department A.H. Pradip inspected the damage. They discovered that six computers, two air conditioners, four chairs, a computer projector, and a screen were destroyed.

Incident Reported

Professor Tyagrajan reported the incident to the Powai police, who conducted a site inspection (punchnama) and confirmed that a flammable substance had been used to start the fire. Based on Tyagrajan’s complaint, the police registered the case.

Statement Of Senior Police Inspector, Jitendra Sonavane

Jitendra Sonavane, Senior Police Inspector, Powai police station, stated, “We registered the case immediately after IIT Bombay filed a complaint with us. This appears to be a deliberate act of mischief. We are examining CCTV footage and actively investigating the matter.”