Pune: A devastating fire broke out at the office and hostel of Nilaya Institute, an educational institution in Sadashiv Peth, resulting in the death of hostel manager Rahul Kulkarni. Fire brigade personnel ensured the rescue of 40 female students, averting a larger tragedy. The incident occurred in the wee hours of Friday (June 7). The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Nilaya Institute, located on Barrister Gadgil Road in Sadashiv Peth, offers commerce courses and operates from a three-storey building that includes hostel facilities for female students. The fire started in the wee hours of Friday and quickly spread to the hostel rooms. The flames and smoke created panic among local residents.

Upon receiving the emergency call, the fire brigade dispatched three fire tenders, a water tanker, and a rescue van to the site. They were informed that students were trapped inside the hostel. Firefighters began dousing the flames and managed to bring the fire under control within half an hour. They successfully rescued all 40 students. However, during a subsequent search, they discovered the charred body of hostel manager Rahul Kulkarni in the institute’s office.

The police have taken possession of the body and sent it to Sassoon Hospital for autopsy. Under the guidance of Pune Fire Brigade Chief Sanjay Ramteke, the firefighters contained the blaze. Police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sandeep Singh Gill, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Sambhaji Kadam, and Senior Police Inspector Deepali Bhujbal of Vishrambaug Police Station visited the site.

The students, who study at the institute and reside in the hostel, were deeply traumatized by the incident. Their educational materials, clothes, mobile phones, and other essential items were destroyed in the fire. Many of the students were seen in tears as they recounted the event. Local residents offered them support.