Zirakpur, Nov. 5 -- A day after police registered an FIR against the owners of two marriage palaces, Aura Garden and Sekhon Palace, on the Zirakpur-Panchkula road for violating fire safety norms, it has emerged that although both venues had fire safety systems installed, they were defunct and poorly maintained, and the staff had no idea how to operate them.

The fire, which broke out on November 2 during wedding ceremonies at the adjoining banquet halls, had triggered panic among the guests. Fortunately, all attendees were safely evacuated.

Wedding season: DC orders audit of all marriage palaces

Following the incident, Mohali deputy commissioner (DC) Komal Mittal has directed all executive officers (EOs) of the Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, and...