Nagpur: A firefighting operation at an abandoned two-storey building near Somalwada Chowk turned into a crime scene after firefighters recovered a charred body in the early hours of Tuesday.The building, unoccupied for several years and lacking security, caught fire shortly after midnight. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters found the remains in a passage cluttered with old furniture and debris.Senior Inspector Pankaj Bondse of Rana Pratap Nagar police station said the owner has been contacted to seal all entry points. Police are also questioning local homeless persons and beggars for leads.“We suspect the premises may have been used by vagabonds. A dispute among them could have led to a murder, following which the body may have been set on fire to conceal the victim’s identity and destroy evidence,” he said.Forensic experts collected evidence from the scene, while the body was sent to GMCH for postmortem examination. Doctors prima facie opined that the deceased was a male aged between 20 and 40 years, with all teeth intact.Tomatoes, onions, salt, rice, a cannabis pipe (chilam) and liquor bottles were found at the spot, suggesting the premises may have been used for illegal activities.
