Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered ‘comprehensive probe’ following a massive fire at the Make in India cultural event in Mumbai on Sunday.

Several VVIPs including chief minister himself, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, governor Vidyasagar Rao and film stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Aamir Khan were present during the event which was part of the high profile Make in India investment week.  According to government officials, close to 20,000 people had gathered to watch the much-publicised event.

The CM called the incident “extremely unfortunate” and said that a fire audit of the event was conducted four days ago and a disaster management plan was prepared.  “We have ordered an inquiry into the causes of the fire to find out if there were any lapses and if SOPs (standard operating procedures) were followed. Further action will be taken based on the probe.” 

Nearly an hour after the programme started, a blaze broke out around 8:22 pm when a dance performance was underway, minutes after superstar Amitabh Bachchan had left the stage.

However, the blaze was brought under control in quick time by 14 fire engines and 10 water tankers with swift evacuation of thousands of people. All the dignitaries were safely evacuated to safer areas. No causalities were reported from the site.

Maharashtra CM stayed back at the venue and personally monitored the evacuation and rescue operations.

After the Bombay high court denied permission for the event, Maharashtra government sought the Supreme Court’s nod for the event.

The incident has cast a shadow on the Make in India Week, the Centre’s big ticket investment programme for the state of e Maharashtra.