First chief of competition panel dies after AC blast at Delhi home
Retired IAS officer Dhanender Kumar and his son were rushed to a hospital after the blast. While Kumar succumbed during treatment, his son remains under medical care and is said to be out of danger.
A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and the first chief of the Competition Commission of India, Dhanendra Kumar, died, while his son was injured after a fire broke out at their house in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas area late Wednesday night, police said. The fire broke out after a blast in an indoor AC unit.
According to police, Kumar died due to smoke inhalation while undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
A call regarding the fire was received at the Hauz Khas police station at around 11.10 pm on May 27.
Police personnel and fire department teams rushed to the spot soon after the alert. Two fire tenders were deployed to control and extinguish the blaze.
Kumar and his son were moved to a nearby hospital. While Kumar succumbed during treatment, his son remains under medical care and is out of danger, officials said.
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the fire was triggered by a blast in the indoor unit of an air-conditioner installed inside the house. Authorities are also probing the possibility of a short circuit leading to the incident.
Ramesh, a domestic help employed at the residence, said he tried to rescue the family members immediately after the fire broke out.
Officials said that an electrical inspection is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal confirmed that Kumar died due to smoke inhalation injuries sustained during the incident.
The fire caused panic in the upscale residential locality late at night, though firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures. Authorities said further investigation into the incident is in progress.
The incident has once again raised concerns over electrical safety and maintenance of household appliances, especially during the peak summer season when air-conditioners are in constant use across the capital.
ABOUT IAS OFFICER DHANENDRA KUMAR
Dhanendra Kumar, a 1968-batch IAS officer, had a distinguished administrative career spanning several decades in both the Central Government and the Government of Haryana.
Over the years, he served as Secretary in key ministries including Defence, Road Transport and Highways, and Culture, where he handled matters related to national security, infrastructure development, and cultural heritage. He also served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation.
Internationally, Kumar represented India at the World Bank as Executive Director for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan between 2005 and 2009, contributing to regional economic and development initiatives.
He gained national prominence as Chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011, playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s competition laws and curbing monopolistic practices.
He also chaired committees that helped formulate the National Competition Policy and streamline real estate approval processes.
In Haryana, Kumar served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and headed HSIIDC, significantly contributing to industrial development.
Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs through Competition Advisory Services India LLP and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and the first chief of the Competition Commission of India, Dhanendra Kumar, died, while his son was injured after a fire broke out at their house in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas area late Wednesday night, police said. The fire broke out after a blast in an indoor AC unit.
According to police, Kumar died due to smoke inhalation while undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
A call regarding the fire was received at the Hauz Khas police station at around 11.10 pm on May 27.
Police personnel and fire department teams rushed to the spot soon after the alert. Two fire tenders were deployed to control and extinguish the blaze.
Kumar and his son were moved to a nearby hospital. While Kumar succumbed during treatment, his son remains under medical care and is out of danger, officials said.
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the fire was triggered by a blast in the indoor unit of an air-conditioner installed inside the house. Authorities are also probing the possibility of a short circuit leading to the incident.
Ramesh, a domestic help employed at the residence, said he tried to rescue the family members immediately after the fire broke out.
Officials said that an electrical inspection is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal confirmed that Kumar died due to smoke inhalation injuries sustained during the incident.
The fire caused panic in the upscale residential locality late at night, though firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures. Authorities said further investigation into the incident is in progress.
The incident has once again raised concerns over electrical safety and maintenance of household appliances, especially during the peak summer season when air-conditioners are in constant use across the capital.
ABOUT IAS OFFICER DHANENDRA KUMAR
Dhanendra Kumar, a 1968-batch IAS officer, had a distinguished administrative career spanning several decades in both the Central Government and the Government of Haryana.
Over the years, he served as Secretary in key ministries including Defence, Road Transport and Highways, and Culture, where he handled matters related to national security, infrastructure development, and cultural heritage. He also served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation.
Internationally, Kumar represented India at the World Bank as Executive Director for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan between 2005 and 2009, contributing to regional economic and development initiatives.
He gained national prominence as Chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011, playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s competition laws and curbing monopolistic practices.
He also chaired committees that helped formulate the National Competition Policy and streamline real estate approval processes.
In Haryana, Kumar served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and headed HSIIDC, significantly contributing to industrial development.
Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs through Competition Advisory Services India LLP and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
