Chechen Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Dakaev ruled out the possibility of arson, saying the blaze was the result of faulty electrical wiring.
He said Dudaev was asleep at the time the fire broke out and died almost immediately of smoke inhalation.
(newsru.com/RIA-Novosti/gazeta.ru/Interfax)
Crisis In Chechnya
RFE/RL's complete coverage of Russia's war-torn Republic of Chechnya.