Arvind Kejriwal announces compensation for kin of those killed in blaze in northeast Delhi's Gokulpuri

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of adult deceased persons and Rs 5 lakh for the kin of deceased children.

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New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday (March 12) announced compensation for the kin of those who died in a slum fire in northeast Delhi's Gokulpuri area. 

Kejriwal also visited the spot where the blaze broke claiming seven lives. 

The Delhi CM announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to deceased adults’ families and Rs 5 lakh for the kin of deceased children as well as Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted.

"When I woke up this morning, I came to know that fire here killed seven people and many shanties were burnt. I am deeply saddened with this incident. I pray to God that the deceased rest in peace,” PTI quoted him as saying. 

“Poor make their shelter after a lot of hard work. Govt will give Rs.10 lakh each to deceased adults' families, Rs 5 lakh to deceased children's families and Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were burnt,” the AAP convenor added. 

I'm saddened by fire incident in which 7 people died. Poor make their shelter after a lot of hardwork. Govt will give Rs.10 lakh each to deceased adults' families, Rs.5 lakh to deceased children's families and Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were burnt: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/atCRzT8qv3

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2022

The Delhi CM also assured that the compensation will be released soon. "I will try to release this (compensation) very soon, in one-two days, so that you get the money soon," Kejriwal said.

Earlier today, Kejriwal had expressed grief over the incident on Twitter. "Heard the sad news early in the morning. I will go to the spot and meet those affected personally," he tweeted in Hindi. 

A senior official of the Delhi Fire Services said the information regarding the fire near pillar number 12 of Gokulpuri village was received at 1.03 am, adding that 13 fire-tenders were rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control around 4 am, he added.

Seven charred bodies were recovered from the site, the official further informed. 

(With agency inputs)