Two killed in Shahdara building fire, locals seek closure of illegal factories

Residents of Band Gali in the Old Govindpura area of Shahdara on Wednesday demanded action on the illegal factories operating in residential buildings following a fire in a house on Tuesday night that took two lives and left two persons injured.

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According to Paru, a resident living nearby, claimed that most people in the area have given their houses on rent which are being used to run factories illegally in the residential area, which raises concern over the safety of other people.

Fragments resembling battery components were found scattered across the street.

Neighbours claimed that the affected building housed a battery storage unit on one floor and a lehenga stitching facility on another.

Meanwhile Nasim, an eyewitness, said several people were trapped inside and they used wires, pipes to escape the building.

Recalling the horror, he said there was panic among the people and many had gathered before the fire tenders came to douse the flames. However, there has been no official confirmation about how the fire started.

DCP (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said the blaze was reported at around 8:46 pm and following the distress call, a team from Jagatpuri police station promptly reached the spot. At least 10 persons were trapped in the four-storey building that were subsequently rescued.

He added that two people, Tanveer and Nusrat lost their lives while Faizal and Asif are undergoing treatment at Dr Hedgewar Hospital.