Overview
- Investigators now point to deliberate ignition at the Rayapudi pipe yard after early findings traced the blaze to a plastic storage area.
- The chief minister, who ordered a probe Tuesday, directed a forensic-led review and told police to test a conspiracy angle.
- Officials reported that the HOD Towers stockyard fire destroyed about 22 lots of PVC and HDPE pipes meant for capital works.
- Forensic teams from the Regional and State labs examined the site, and senior officers including the DGP reviewed the timeline and response.
- Police estimate losses from recent Amaravati fires at more than ₹21.5 crore, a pattern that could slow core construction and fuel political claims of sabotage.