Two people were killed and 16 others injured in a major fire that engulfed four floors of Mantralaya, the state government headquarters of Maharashtra, in south Mumbai yesterday.

According to the police control room, two charred bodies were recovered from the 6th floor of the Mantralaya. The two deceased were identified as Umesh Kotekar and Mahesh Ghugle, both from Baramati.

The police said that the two security guards, who were posted outside the Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan's cabin, were still reported to be missing.

They are identified as Tukaram More and Mohan More. All injured are stable barring one person who is critical.

The fire, supposedly caused by a short circuit, started on the fourth floor and later spread to the seventh floor of the building.

As many as 21 fire tenders battled the blaze and rigorous efforts were made to douse the fire. Navy helicopters and anti-terrorist unit Force One were also rushed for the rescue operations.

Though the fire has been brought under control, the fire officials said that cooling operation will go on for two more days. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has ordered crime branch probe into the incident. He said that the Mantralaya will be functional today.

The ministers would work from alternative offices; however visitors will not be allowed an entry.