One of 3 lockers retrieved from Chennai Silks site

Police said that there were two more such boxes caught under the debris and would probably be pulled out in a day or two. Amid speculations that cash, gold and silver articles could be there inside the locker, around 35 cops have been reportedly posted at the demolition site to guard it. 

An official on condition of anonymity said that the textile shop management wanted everything to be transparent and did not want to carry the locker to any other place. 

“After all three boxes are pulled out, it will be opened at the site itself in the presence of officials concerned,” the official added. Since the lockers were of premium quality, it is likely that the valuables inside could not have been affected in the fire, he said. Meanwhile, Peer Mohammed, the contractor, who had demolished the building, said that it would take a couple of days to clear the debris from the site.

“Priority is being given to remove the debris that fell on the service lane between the flyover and structure,” he said. Since the front portion has been covered with metal sheets, the debris is being transported through the exit gate on Pinjala Subramaniam Street. 

“Around 100 workers and 10 lorries are involved in moving out the debris and we want to complete the work at the earliest,” he added.  The owners of Chennai Silks were not available for comment.