The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has issued notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner in the case of a tragic fire in Palam, southwest Delhi. The incident claimed the lives of nine people. The fire broke out in the early hours of March 18, impacting a four-story residential building and leaving several residents trapped on the upper floors.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the NHRC has asked for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks, including updates on compensation for the victims and the injured. “The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
According to media reports, the fire broke out on the 18th of this month in a four-storey building, reportedly due to a short circuit in a ground-floor shop. It added that residents attempted to rescue those trapped, but several were injured in the process, and reports indicate that a malfunction in the Fire Brigade’s hydraulic crane delayed rescue operations.
Among the deceased were three children and a 70-year-old woman. Additionally, three individuals suffered injuries during the chaotic situation.Residents of the building made valiant efforts to save those trapped inside by breaking windows and walls to facilitate escape. These efforts, however, came at a cost, as several individuals were injured in their attempts to assist others. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation was dire, and many felt helpless amid the growing flames.
The rescue operations were further complicated when the Fire Brigade’s hydraulic crane encountered a technical malfunction. Neighbours reported that this failure delayed critical rescue efforts, leading to claims that more lives might have been spared had the equipment functioned properly. The community is now raising concerns about the adequacy of emergency services in response to such incidents.
In light of these events, the NHRC has issued notices to both the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police in Delhi, demanding a thorough report within two weeks. The Commission stressed that such incidents highlight significant issues of human rights violations and seeks clarity on the measures being taken in response to this tragedy, specifically regarding compensation for the victims and the injured.
Previously, the NHRC had taken similar actions following a separate incident in Rajasthan where two students were severely injured due to negligence when a ceiling fan fell in their classroom. In that case, the Commission called for a detailed investigation into the incident, seeking reports on the students’ health and any administrative actions taken against responsible parties.
The NHRC’s involvement underscores the urgency required in addressing public safety and potential human rights breaches in similar situations. The recent Palam fire has raised critical questions about fire safety regulations, emergency response preparedness, and accountability for such tragic events in urban areas like Delhi.
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