Catastrophe waiting to happen: NHRC on fire

New Delhi, December 9

Describing the Anaj Mandi fire as a “catastrophe” waiting to happen, the National Human Rights Commission on Monday issued notices to the Delhi Government, the Delhi Police chief and the North MCD, seeking a detailed report in six weeks.

• Editorial: Blaze of negligence

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of the fire in which at least 43 persons were killed in central Delhi early Sunday morning “when a blaze caused by a short-circuit turned a four-storey building into a lethal gas chamber”, the rights panel said. About 100-150 people were sleeping when the fire broke out and most victims were choked to death.

The commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government, Delhi Police Commissioner and Commissioner of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. It has sought a report within six weeks, along with the action-taken report, against errant officials and details of relief and rehabilitation provided to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons. Meanwhile, under pressure from families, the Bihar Government has decided to send the bodies of state’s residents home by road instead of train. — PTI