AAP leader Bharadwaj alleges lapses in firefighting response
Says fire brigade failed to act effectively at site
The AAP on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP Government over the Palam fire tragedy, alleging that lapses in the firefighting response led to the deaths of nine members of a family and were subsequently “covered up” to avoid accountability.
Addressing a press conference, Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the fire brigade failed to act effectively at the scene and even prevented locals from attempting a rescue.
He alleged that when the hydraulic lift of the fire tender malfunctioned, residents and shopkeepers had proposed laying mattresses on the ground to help those trapped jump to safety. However, according to Bharadwaj, officials did not allow the vehicle to be moved to facilitate this.
“The government feared that if locals managed to save the victims, its own failure would be exposed. Instead of saving lives, it chose to save its image,” he said.
The AAP leader further claimed that around 500 locals had urged the authorities to clear space for the makeshift rescue effort, pointing out that a nearby mattress shop had sufficient stock. He argued that the height from the third floor —approximately 30 to 32 feet — was survivable with such arrangements.
Bharadwaj also questioned the operational readiness of firefighting equipment, alleging inconsistencies. “If one fire tender could not function due to overhead wires, how did another operate under the same conditions?” he asked.
Referring to a previous incident in Janakpuri, he alleged a pattern of shifting blame onto victims. “Just like in the case of Kamal Dhyani, the government is now trying to hold the victims responsible to hide its own failures,” he said.
The AAP leader also accused BJP workers of creating disruptions during a condolence meeting attended by party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal. He alleged that attempts were made to prevent discussion on the causes of the fire.
He further criticised statements by Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, rejecting claims that inflammable material stored at the site contributed to the blaze. According to him, the shop primarily dealt in cosmetics and hosiery, which are commonly found in such establishments.
