New Delhi: Retired IAS officer and former Competition Commission of India chairman Dhanendra Kumar died after a fire broke out at his residence in south Delhi’s Hauz Khas area late Wednesday night. He was 80.

Kumar held several senior positions in the Central government and later became the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India. He was rescued from the house along with his son after the blaze erupted around 11.10 pm, police said.

Both were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son remains hospitalised and is said to be out of danger.

According to police, a PCR call reporting the fire was received shortly after 11 pm. Police teams and fire department personnel rushed to the spot, and two fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control.

A preliminary enquiry has indicated that the fire may have been triggered by a blast in the indoor unit of an air-conditioner installed in the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic help, were inside the residence.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said a crime team inspected the spot and an electrical inspection is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. Statements of eyewitnesses have also been recorded. Police said no foul play is suspected at this stage and further investigation is in progress.

During a long administrative career, Kumar served in several important roles in both the Haryana and Central governments. He was Secretary in the ministries of Defence, Road Transport and Highways, and Culture, and also served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation.

Between November 2005 and January 2009, Kumar was the World Bank’s Executive Director for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. He later headed the Competition Commission of India as its first chairman from February 2009 to June 2011.

BI Bureau