Mumbai News: Massive Fire Guts Bandra’s Link Square Mall, Reportedly Owned By Siddique Family; Fire Robot Deployed As Blaze Rages For 12 Hours

A massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning at Link Square Mall on Linking Road in Bandra West reportedly owned by the Baba Siddique family. Although no injuries were reported, the blaze gutted several electronic goods stores, mobile shops, perfume outlets, and popular eateries—located on the terrace of the commercial complex. Due to the thick smoke and low visibility, a high-tech 'Fire Robot' was deployed to aid firefighters in the operation. Additionally, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were brought in to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. After more than 12 hours of intense firefighting efforts, the flames were finally brought under control by evening. 

The fire broke out around 4 AM on Tuesday at the Croma showroom located in the basement of the Link Square Mall, a basement-plus-three-storey commercial complex on Linking Road in Bandra West reportedly owned by the family of the slain ex-minister Baba Siddique.  His son Zeeshan Siddique, ex-MLA, slammed the fire brigade for ``failing" to douse the flames in time. ``I reached the spot at 4 a.m. and begged the fire brigade and police to contain the fire quickly. It was a small fire initially. However, the total mishandling resulted in a big fire damaging several properties. Thank god it happened earlier morning when no one was inside. Had it taken place during the day, at least 100 persons would have been roasted alive. The fire brigade was ill-equipped. They did not know how to use the existing equipent," Zeeshan told mediapersons. 

Sources wondered if the fire was an act of sabotage since it was owned by the Siddiques. After the gunning down of Baba Siddique, Zeeshan had received threats and extortion demand for Rs 10 cr from the Dawood Ibrahim gang. Investigation by the police and the fire brigade is expected to reveal the actual cause of the fire. The mall housed numerous outlets selling electronic goods, mobile phones,  restaurant, perfumes, clothing, and liquor—materials that helped fuel the rapid spread of the blaze. According to preliminary reports, the fire quickly escalated in intensity. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) initially classified it as a Level I fire at 4:17 AM, but within minutes, it was upgraded to Level II at 4:28 AM, Level III at 4:49 AM, and eventually declared a Level IV (serious) fire by 6:25 AM. The dense smoke soon engulfed the entire structure, severely limiting visibility and complicating firefighting operations.

Mumbai police, BMC's H West ward officials were also present on the spot. The MFB deployed 13 jumbo water tankers, eight fire engines, and additional firefighting equipment. Firefighters used 12 hose lines—nine small, two high-pressure, and one standby—powered by 15 motor pumps. A high-tech fire robot was also deployed to navigate smoke-filled interiors and assist in dousing the flames where visibility was extremely poor. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Anil Parab stated, "Several shops in the building were full of plastic materials and large quantities of electronic goods scattered everywhere, making it extremely difficult to navigate. The glass façade of the structure posed a major challenge, and we had to shatter it to enable ventilation."

Immediate access to water was critical, and fire officials ensured continuous supply to combat the rapidly intensifying blaze. "We used fire robots as they are specifically designed to work in high-temperature, low-visibility zones and are equipped with cameras, sensors, and high-capacity water nozzles," said another fire official. Locals allege that the basement, originally reserved for parking, had been illegally converted into a commercial showroom. They also claimed that other unauthorised alterations had been carried out in the building. An official from the H West Ward stated, "We will check the building layout and investigate accordingly to verify if illegal alterations were made." According to fire officials, the blaze likely originated due to a short circuit, although the exact cause will be confirmed after a thorough investigation. The fire was finally brought under control and fully covered from all sides by 5:20 PM.

Shop owners who suffered loss

Farook Shaikh, owner of a mobile accessories shop on the ground floor, was among the hardest hit. "I got a call at 6 AM about the raging fire. I rushed here and saw my shop reduced to ashes. I had just brought in new stock on Sunday. The loss is around Rs. 35–40 lakh," he said in shock. 

Feroz Ghani, owner of 'Game Station,' another mobile and gaming store, was inconsolable. "We had recently renovated and added new gaming consoles, mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Everything is gone," he said.

The manager of ‘Abstract’, a fashion clothing store, also expressed despair: “We had stocked new summer collections and accessories just last week. It’s a huge loss, and we’re left to bear it through no fault of ours.” 

Advocate Ejaz Naqvi said: “Unlawfully altered and constructed from underground to rooftop, Croma mall has charred to its destiny. Maintenance is Rs12,000 per 8x10 shop with a Rs One lakh transfer charge—yet there’s no parking."

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