Former Haryana Chief Secretary Dhanendra Kumar Garg dies after fire at Delhi home; AC blast suspected
Former Haryana Chief Secretary and former World Bank executive director Dhanendra Kumar Garg died after a fire broke out at his Hauz Khas residence in Delhi. His son was injured in the incident
PTC Web Desk: Former Haryana Chief Secretary and ex-World Bank executive director Dhanendra Kumar Garg died after a fire broke out at his residence in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area late Thursday night, the police said.
Garg, 80, was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre along with his son after the blaze erupted at the house. While Garg succumbed during treatment, his son sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical care.
According to police officials, a PCR call regarding the incident was received at Hauz Khas police station around 11.18 pm. Police personnel and fire department teams immediately reached the spot, and two fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze.
Officials said five persons, including family members and domestic staff, were inside the house when the incident occurred.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire may have started following a blast in an indoor air-conditioner unit. h The police have recorded statements of eyewitnesses and ruled out any foul play in the matter. Further investigation will continue after technical reports are examined.
A 1967-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, Garg held several key positions during his administrative career. Apart from serving as Haryana Chief Secretary, he also headed the Competition Commission of India and the National Highways Authority of India. He had also served as Telecom Secretary, GST Chairman and Excise Commissioner.
After retiring from government service, Garg went on to serve as executive director at the World Bank.
Originally from Gangoh in Uttar Pradesh, Garg was regarded as one of the senior-most bureaucrats with extensive experience in public administration and economic governance.