India, May 29 -- Former senior bureaucrat Dhanendra Kumar, who served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India, died after a fire triggered by a suspected air conditioner blast at his residence in Delhi's Hauz Khas area.

According to officials, the incident took place late Thursday night when a blast in the indoor unit of an AC is suspected to have sparked a fire inside the house. Dhanendra Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital but died during treatment due to severe smoke inhalation. He was 80 years old.

His son, who was also present during the incident, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. Doctors have stated that he is out of danger.

Police and fire department teams reached the spot shortly a...