Mumbai: At least 14 people were killed, 21 others hurt when a major fire broke out in a pub in the Kamla Mills Compound here early on Friday, an official said.

The blaze was reported around 12.30 a.m. from a bistro The Mojo, a rooftop restaurant pub in The Kamla Trade House and quickly spread to another surrounding pub and a restaurant, said an official of BMC Disaster Control.

More than 12 fire tenders were rushed to fight the blaze which was brought under control around 6.30 a.m.

While the majority of the victims are reported to have perished on the spot, the firemen could rescue 10 others safely from the leaping flames. The injured have been admitted to the KEM Hospital and other hospitals for treatment.

The entire pub and the surrounding complex was full of patrons including many women and tourists thronging the fashionable area to unwind.

Mumbai Police have booked the owner of the pub for negligence and other charges for the fire, suspected to be triggered by an electric short-circuit.

There are many major corporate and media house offices situated in the posh Kamla Mills Complex whose working is likely to be affected on Thursday.

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Bengaluru: Kannada publisher and writer Asha Raghu, aged 46, died by suicide at her home in the Malleswaram area of Bengaluru on Saturday, police said.

According to a report published by Deccan Herald, police said Asha was found hanging inside a room of her residence. When she did not respond, family members forced open the door and found her dead.

She is survived by her daughter. Her husband KC Raghu had died two years ago. Police said Asha had been under depression following her husband’s death.

A case of unnatural death has been registered at the Malleswaram police station, and further investigation is underway. After post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family, officials said.

Asha Raghu was known as a novelist and had also worked in the television industry as a dialogue writer and assistant director.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)