New Delhi, May 29: Dhanendra Kumar, a retired IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), died after a fire triggered by a suspected air-conditioner blast at his residence in Delhi’s Hauz Khas late Thursday night. His son sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, officials said.

According to police, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present inside the house when the incident took place around 11:18 pm.

Police teams and fire department personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze and launched rescue operations while simultaneously trying to control the fire.

The 80-year-old former bureaucrat and his son were shifted to a nearby hospital. Dhanendra Kumar later died during treatment due to smoke inhalation, while his son is stated to be out of danger, an official informed.

Police and forensic teams visited the spot and conducted a preliminary investigation. Officials said no foul play has been suspected so far.

According to investigators, the fire is suspected to have started after a blast in the indoor unit of an air-conditioner installed inside the house.

Visuals from the scene showed extensive damage inside the residence, with walls and floors covered in ash and debris. Burnt household items, clothes and luggage were also seen scattered across the premises.

Distinguished Administrative Career
Born in 1946, Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who held several key positions in both the Central and Haryana governments during his long administrative career.

He served as Secretary in multiple Union ministries, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and Ministry of Culture.

As Defence Secretary, he dealt with national security and administrative matters, while in the Road Transport Ministry he contributed to infrastructure and highway development projects. In the Culture Ministry, he oversaw issues related to India’s cultural institutions and heritage.

He also served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation.

From November 2005 to January 2009, Kumar represented India internationally as Executive Director at the World Bank for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, where he worked on economic and development-related projects concerning South Asian nations.

First Chairman Of Competition Commission Of India
Dhanendra Kumar became the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India in February 2009 and served in the position till June 2011.

During his tenure, the CCI played a crucial role in strengthening India’s competition law framework and monitoring monopolistic practices to ensure fair market competition.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs had also constituted a committee under his chairmanship to draft the National Competition Policy aimed at reforming competition laws and regulatory policies.

Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation appointed him chairman of the SAPREP Committee tasked with simplifying approval procedures for real estate projects.

Contribution To Haryana’s Industrial Growth
Kumar also played an important role in Haryana’s industrial and administrative development.

He served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Haryana and as Chairman and Managing Director of the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC).

He was awarded the National Citizens Award by the Haryana government for his contribution to the development of industrial parks in the state.

He also received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions to public affairs and governance.

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Early Administrative Roles And Public Policy Work
During the early years of his career, Kumar served as Deputy Commissioner of Karnal and Jind districts and held several important administrative positions, including Labour Commissioner, Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Director of Industries.

He also worked in the Ministries of Agriculture, Textiles and Communications and served as Resident Director at the Indian Investment Centre in London.

Even after retirement, Kumar remained active in public policy and corporate affairs. He was the founding chairman of Competition Advisory Services India LLP (COMPAD) and also served as Principal Advisor and Chief Mentor at the School of Competition Law under the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.