Delhi govt announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for families of Malviya Nagar fire victims

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The Delhi government on Thursday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the people killed in the tragic Malviya Nagar fire incident and said that arrangements are being made to transport the mortal remains of the deceased back to their homes.

This came as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited Max Hospital in Saket on Thursday and met the victims injured in the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy, in which 21 people lost their lives. 

A massive blaze engulfed the hotel, allegedly operating without a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NoC) in a congested lane of Malviya Nagar area. 

Twenty-one people died in the tragic fire at the Hotel Flourish Stays in Malviya Nagar. Of these 21, nine were Indians while 12 were foreigners from countries such as Bangladesh, Liberia, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

CM Gupta interacted with the injured and their family members and reviewed the ongoing treatment with the attending doctors. She directed officials to extend all necessary assistance, according to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The CMO statement further stated that the medical expenses of the injured will be facilitated in coordination with the hospital authorities to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.

"An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, and those who have been seriously injured will receive Rs 5 lakh in assistance. Arrangements are being felicitated to transport the mortal remains of the deceased to their native homes," the CMO said.

"The Delhi Government stands firmly with every affected family. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time," the statement added.

The blaze affected the basement, ground floor, and the other 5 floors of the building, with heat and smoke damage, while an investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Delhi Fire Services.

The fire erupted during the early morning hours and quickly spread through several levels of the multi-storey building.

Rescue teams managed to evacuate 47 people from the building, while 26 injured individuals continue to receive treatment at various hospitals across the city.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building where the fatal fire broke out on Wednesday. Bajaj was taken into custody hours after authorities launched a search operation to trace him and his wife, against whom a Look Out Circular (LOC) had earlier been issued.

The arrest comes as investigators probe alleged safety violations, regulatory lapses, and possible negligence that may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Authorities are examining whether mandatory fire safety measures were in place and whether the property was operating in accordance with legal requirements.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has also assured strict action against those found responsible.

According to officials, action against those found guilty is expected within a week of the report's submission.

Police have registered a case under provisions related to culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are focusing on allegations that serious negligence and violations of safety regulations may have played a role in the high casualty count.

--IANS

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