Notice in daytime, blaze in night- accident or conspiracy?:Municipal Corporation suspects deliberate fire, files complaint after recycling plant gutted

A textile recycling plant operated by the Municipal Corporation in Anna Nagar was destroyed in a massive fire late Saturday night, raising serious questions over its timing and possible intent. The blaze broke out around midnight in a pile of cloth kept outside the facility and took nearly five hours for fire brigade teams to bring it under control. The plant is considered unique of its kind in the country. Fire follows final notice The timing of the incident has emerged as the biggest point of suspicion. On April 25, 2026—the same day as the fire—the Municipal Corporation issued a third and final notice to the operating company, M/s Fibercycle Textile Pvt. Ltd., warning of strict action for failing to comply with tender conditions. Following the incident, the corporation filed a police complaint, suspecting that the fire may have been deliberately set. Plant shut for 6 months, waste kept piling up The company had been awarded a 10-year contract just a year ago. However, the plant had remained non-operational for nearly six months. During this period, 2–3 tonnes of textile waste continued to arrive daily but was not processed, leading to a massive accumulation on the premises. Officials said that if an inspection had followed the notice, penalties could have been imposed and the contract potentially terminated. Repeated notices, no improvement This indicates that the operator was already under significant administrative pressure. Key questions behind ‘deliberate fire’ suspicion 1. Suspicious timing The fire broke out on the same day the final notice was issued, raising doubts about coincidence. 2. 150 tonnes of cloth at idle plant Despite being shut for six months, around 150 tonnes of cloth had accumulated, as the corporation continued sending waste daily. The fire reportedly started in this pile. 3. Insurance angle under scanner Machinery worth approximately ₹25 lakh was destroyed. Since both the equipment and company loans were insured, investigators are examining possible financial motives. 4. Safety lapses Regulations require three staff members on-site, but only one employee was present at the time of the incident—raising serious concerns over security and oversight. Investigation Underway Authorities are probing multiple angles, including negligence, administrative lapses, and the possibility of deliberate sabotage. The incident has also raised broader concerns about waste management practices and enforcement of contract compliance.