Mall Fire Victims Demand Repairs After 16 Months

Mumbai shop owners are urgently calling for structural repairs at Link Square Mall in Bandra West, more than 16 months after a fire on April 29, 2025, forced its closure. Approximately 200 business owners, including seniors, face financial hardship as the insurance claim process is still pending, delaying any repair work.

The shop owners are so desperate they are willing to contribute financially and even undertake the repairs themselves to resume their livelihoods. This action stems from concerns raised by a May 2025 Fire Department report, which indicated that fire-safety equipment was not operational and communication regarding the fire was significantly delayed.

Allegations point to Zears Developers Private Limited, the mall's developer, as the origin of the fire. The mall, built in 2009 by the late Baba Siddique, was reportedly managed by his family until the fire. However, Zeeshan Siddique denies any role in the mall's reopening, stating that a small group of owners is attempting to tarnish his image and that an administrator has been appointed for the mall.

Despite numerous meetings and appeals to various authorities and the insurance company, no progress has been made, leaving the shop owners in prolonged distress and uncertainty about their businesses.