A Bangladeshi survivor of the Malviya Nagar fire claims she was charged ₹1.8 lakh for body repatriation, despite an initial government promise of free transport. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta honored rescue workers for their efforts.
The incident raises questions about the fulfillment of government promises regarding repatriation costs for victims and highlights the bravery of individuals involved in rescue efforts during tragic events.
Shamiya Chaudhary, a Bangladeshi national who survived the Malviya Nagar fire, has alleged that she was charged ₹1.8 lakh for the repatriation of a body to Bangladesh, despite an initial government promise of free transport.
Chaudhary told ANI that the family was informed the government would cover the costs, but this assurance was not met, leading to the unexpected embassy charges. She expressed her desire to understand why the process was not free and whether the money would be reimbursed.
She also mentioned receiving some of her belongings back through the police, though some items remain missing. Chaudhary recounted the harrowing experience of the fire, which broke out at 8 am while she was on the third floor, room 302, with four others, and expressed her fear of not surviving.
In a separate event, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid tribute to victims of the Malviya Nagar fire and a building collapse in Saidulajab, Saket. At a ceremony at the Delhi Secretariat, Gupta honored courageous citizens, police personnel, administrative officials, and rescue workers for their life-saving efforts. These individuals were presented with commendation certificates and cheques of ₹21,000 each.
Malviya Nagar MLA Satish Upadhyay and Chhatarpur MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar were present as distinguished guests. During the event, Riyazuddin Mansoori was specifically recognized for his bravery during the Hauz Rani fire, where he laid out mattresses that aided in saving lives. The Chief Minister ensured reimbursement for the mattresses he used and presented him with a ₹21,000 cheque.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in both incidents. Officials reported that the death toll from the Malviya Nagar fire had risen to 23.