Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday, 3 June, sought a detailed report from the South Delhi District Magistrate on the devastating Malviya Nagar fire that claimed 21 lives and left several others injured, warning that strict action would follow against anyone found responsible for lapses. The blaze tore through a multi-storey guest house in the Hauz Rani area of South Delhi earlier in the day, triggering one of the capital's deadliest fire incidents in recent months.

How the tragedy unfolded

According to officials, the Emergency Operations Centre of the District Disaster Management Authority (South) received the first alert at 8.52 am. Flames had already engulfed the multi-storey building by the time emergency response agencies were activated.

Teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and CATS Ambulance Services were mobilised without delay. Their swift coordination helped rescue dozens of people trapped inside.

Casualties and rescue operation

Officials said 47 people were evacuated and shifted to hospitals. Of these, 21 succumbed to their injuries, while several others remain under treatment, including a number of critically injured patients.

Firefighters, police personnel, disaster management teams and medical responders worked in tandem at the site, with rescue operations continuing for hours after the first alarm.

What the Chief Minister said

CM Gupta said the Delhi government was closely monitoring the situation and ensuring adequate medical care for the victims and their families. ‘In this hour of grief, the Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy,' she said.

Earlier, expressing grief over the loss of lives, the Chief Minister conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families. ‘Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,' she said in a statement.

Accountability and next steps

Gupta warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. The South Delhi DM's report is expected to examine fire safety compliance, building clearances and the operational status of the guest house. The findings could shape both criminal accountability and a wider review of fire-safety enforcement across Delhi's dense residential pockets.