A major fire broke out at the Sub-Collector’s office in Madanapalle, Annamayya district, late Sunday night. The fire caused extensive damage to the building and destroyed important documents. It is believed that a short circuit started the fire, which burned various files, including land records and election documents.
A security guard first noticed the fire around 11 PM. He heard a loud noise and saw smoke coming from the eastern side of the office. Firefighters were quickly sent to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the flames had already caused significant damage. It took them nearly four hours to bring the fire under control.
Despite the destruction of paper documents, officials confirmed that digital records are safe. No one was hurt in the incident.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a thorough investigation. He directed the Director General of Police and the CID Chief to visit the site and prepare a detailed report. Initial assessments suggest that the timing of the fire, just before a new Sub-Collector was to start work, raises suspicions of a possible conspiracy.
The investigation will look into whether the fire was accidental or set on purpose. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and a high-level review meeting has been scheduled to discuss the incident further.
