Patna: A major fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Caelum restaurant, located on the fifth and sixth floors of Ashiana Mahendra Enclave on Saguna Khagaul Road in Danapur, Patna. The blaze started around 2.30 pm, prompting the rapid deployment of eight water cannons, two hydraulic lifts, and multiple fire brigade teams. Flames were seen rising from the fourth floor, with thick smoke engulfing upper parts of the building.
Police and rescue teams evacuated dozens of people from the complex, which also houses Zudio showrooms on the lower floors. Chaos erupted when the restaurant owner and staff clashed with police officers during the operation. According to officials, two sub-inspectors, Naveen and Brajesh, sustained minor injuries after being beaten with helmets by restaurant staff. The owner’s wife was detained for questioning, while raids are underway to arrest the owner and his son.
District Fire Officer Manoj Nat stated that the fire was likely caused by a short circuit and took over two hours to bring under control. A female employee of Domino’s alleged that a fireman, who arrived in civilian clothes, assaulted the restaurant owner, further escalating tensions. A heavy police force remained at the site for hours amid widespread panic and altercations.
