Delhi Police Take Action Following Tragic Fire Incident
In a significant development, the Delhi Police have arrested the owner of a children’s hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, as well as one of the on-duty doctors, in connection with a devastating fire that resulted in the deaths of six infants. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the highest levels of the Delhi government.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out at the Baby Care Centre, a hospital specializing in infant care, leading to the tragic loss of six newborns’ lives. According to a police official, of the seven infants who died at the hospital, six succumbed to the fire, while one had died before the blaze erupted. The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit, which subsequently ignited cylinders kept on the premises, although a thorough investigation is underway to confirm this.
Violations and Arrests
Investigations have revealed significant lapses in safety measures at the hospital. It was found that the hospital’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) had expired on March 31. Despite being authorized for only five beds, the hospital was operating with more than ten beds, a clear violation of regulations. Additionally, the facility lacked a proper fire exit system, which exacerbated the tragedy.
The owner of the hospital, identified as Naveen Kichi, has been arrested. Naveen reportedly operates three other clinics in the city. Alongside him, one of the doctors on duty at the time of the fire has also been apprehended. The police have added relevant sections of law to the case, reflecting the severity of the violations and negligence involved.
Government Response
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj took to social media to confirm the arrests and assure the public that no one responsible would be spared. He stated, “The owner of the Baby Care Centre, Naveen Kichi, has been arrested. No one, whether big or small, will be spared.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Bharadwaj have pledged stringent action against those found guilty of negligence. They have directed Delhi government officials to expedite compensation to the families of the deceased and to ensure free treatment for the surviving children at top private hospitals under the Farishtey Scheme, a government initiative aimed at providing financial aid for medical treatment.
Ongoing Investigation
Forensic teams and crime investigation units have been deployed to the scene to conduct a detailed investigation. The exact cause of the fire will be determined through this thorough investigation. Initial reports suggest the fire started due to a short circuit, but further analysis is needed to confirm these findings.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised serious concerns about hospital safety and regulatory compliance in Delhi. The revelation that the hospital was operating without a valid NOC and with inadequate safety measures has led to widespread outrage. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and more rigorous inspections of healthcare facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols in hospitals, especially those catering to vulnerable populations like infants. The government’s response and the ongoing investigation will be closely watched as the public demands accountability and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
