Everything lost, 20 families have nowhere to go

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 17

Daily wage earner Shambhu Chawan and his family were scheduled to leave the town today to solemnise the marriage of his son at Siwan. The poor labourer had also booked the tickets, but yesterday’s inferno consumed everything, including his hutment, savings of around Rs 50,000, new clothes and other household items.

“I have lost everything in the fire. We have no option but to postpone the marriage of my son indefinitely,” said Chawan with tears in his eyes.

In the fire, which broke out at Shaheed Udham Singh Colony at Phase VIII, Industrial Area, around 20 families have lost everything.

Surinder Sa, a native of Bihar who sustained a severe cut on his right hand a few days ago, is now clueless regarding how to feed his family, comprising his wife and four children. “Except for the clothes we are wearing, nothing has been left,” said Surinder. 

“Due to the grave injury on my hand, I was forced to stay at home. I lost everything, including my hutment, in yesterday’s fire. I don’t know what to do to feed my family,” said the halpless labourer. 

Sharda Devi, who sustained burn injuries on her face and arm during the incident, was seen crying for help. “Today, our neighbours and some philanthropists arranged food, but where will we sleep; what will we wear,” said Sharda Devi and other victims, including Kavita Devi and Sonu.

“Most women of the victim families were working as domestic help at houses of nearby residents. Now, they have no place to leave their children. It’s a double blow for them,” said a resident of the colony.