Former India competition chief dies in south Delhi fire

A retired senior bureaucrat and the founding chairman of India's competition regulator died following a fire at his south Delhi residence, officials said Thursday. Dhanendra Kumar, 80, succumbed to smoke inhalation after a blaze, suspected to have been caused by an air-conditioner blast, broke out at his home in the Hauz Khas area late Wednesday night. His son sustained injuries while attempting to rescue him and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The incident occurred around 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday at Kumar's residence. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal confirmed that Kumar died during treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire may have started after a suspected explosion in the indoor unit of an air-conditioner. Officials said a crime team inspected the site and an electrical inspection is underway to determine the exact cause. No foul play is suspected at this stage.

According to police, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were inside the house at the time. Before fire personnel arrived, two injured individuals were shifted to the hospital by police control room staff and members of the...