Malviya Nagar fire: PM Modi announces ₹2 crore ex gratia for deceased after Delhi hotel fire kills 21 | Today’s news
Hours after a massive fire killed at least 21 people and injured dozens in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered condolences and announced ex gratia. ₹2 lakhs.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) wrote: “The loss of life in the fire at Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Authorities are extending all possible assistance to those affected.”
PM Modi also announced that ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. They would get hurt ₹50,000.
Fire in South Delhi claims 21 lives
His words came after at least 11 foreign nationals died in the fire. The incident took place earlier on Wednesday at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, a congested locality in Malviya Nagar. The PTI news agency, citing officials, said at least nine of those killed were African nationals and two were from Turkmenistan. According to official data, 58 people were affected by the fire. At least 16 were injured, including five foreign nationals and 11 Indians.
Officials believe the death toll is likely to rise as many of the injured are in critical condition. Relatives of patients treated at a nearby private hospital were among those rescued.
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Political response to the Delhi fire
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of life in a fire at a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, describing the tragedy as “extremely heartbreaking” and offering condolences to the bereaved families. The President also took to social media platform X to pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
She wrote, “The news of the loss of life in the Malviya Nagar fire in Delhi is extremely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Apart from Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah and several other leaders also expressed condolences. In a post on X, Home Minister Shah wrote: “My heart is deeply saddened by the fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. Local administration is engaged in rescue operations. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy. May God give strength to the bereaved families to bear this grief. Best medical facilities are being provided to the injured.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also offered condolences. In the post, X said, “My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength and courage to all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. The Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation. All necessary medical assistance and support is being provided to the affected families.”
In a post on X, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The fire tragedy at Malviya Nagar, Delhi is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this incident. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this immense loss. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences. “My deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I urge all Congressional staff to contribute in any way possible to the rescue operations.”
Expressing condolences, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also said that the ministry is in touch with all embassies and is ensuring that assistance is provided.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote, “Such a massive incident took place in Malviya Nagar today. Tragic news of 20 people losing their lives… Constant fires in Delhi and death of innocent people is extremely disturbing.”
Read also | South Delhi fire: Two women jump from burning building to escape fire | Watch
A sightseeing circular issued against the hotel owner
News agency PTI reported that the Delhi Police had issued a circular against Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of a hotel building in Malviya Nagar. A Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued to ensure that the accused do not flee abroad even as several teams continue their search to trace them, police said.
According to investigators, the hotel was allegedly operating at nearly four times its permitted capacity and did not have mandatory fire safety.
Police sources said the establishment had permission for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s bed-and-breakfast policy, but reportedly operated 25 rooms, including some in the basement.
Additional floors were allegedly built over the years without informing the authorities, sources said.
The police registered an FIR based on the charge of murder and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
