Fire, death, probe, silence: Magisterial inquiries are Delhi’s official way of moving on
Every government that has ruled Delhi has ordered a magisterial inquiry after a major fire. Not one report has ever been placed in the public domain.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday, May 3, condoled the loss of lives in the major fire tragedy in the Vivek Vihar area of East Delhi. They have said that immediate medical assistance and relief are being provided to the affected people.
According to officials, at least nine people, including a toddler, have died in the fire that broke out in a residential building in the early hours of Sunday.
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The blaze engulfed multiple flats on the second, third and fourth floors of the building, while the cause of fire is yet to be ascertained.
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“Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Vivek Vihar. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy,” read a post on the official X handle of Delhi L-G.
Sandhu wrote that authorities were directed to ensure all necessary medical assistance to the injured, along with immediate relief and support for those affected.
“Delhi Fire Service personnel and emergency teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to manage the situation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families during this difficult time,” he added.
Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Vivek Vihar. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy.
Authorities have been directed to ensure that all necessary medical assistance is provided to the injured, along…
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) May 3, 2026
Taking to X, the Delhi chief minister wrote in Hindi, “The fire incident in a building in Vivek Vihar is extremely tragic. The loss of nine lives in this accident has left me deeply distressed. Treatment of the injured in the accident is ongoing at the nearest hospital, and I pray for their swift recovery. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the affected families. I pray to God to grant them the strength to endure this difficult time.”
She informed that senior officials from the local administration along with DDMA, Delhi Fire Service, and Delhi Police are “fully engaged with utmost promptness in relief and rescue operations.”
“The situation is being continuously monitored, and every possible assistance is being ensured for those affected. Our local MLA and municipal councilors are also extending their support in the relief efforts. The Delhi government stands firmly with the affected families in every situation during this difficult time,” she added.
विवेक विहार की एक इमारत में लगी आग की घटना अत्यंत दुखद है। इस हादसे में 9 लोगों की मृत्यु से मन व्यथित है। हादसे में घायल हुए लोगों का नजदीकी अस्पताल में उपचार चल रहा है, उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करती हूँ। दुख की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएँ पीड़ित परिवारों के साथ हैं। ईश्वर…
— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) May 3, 2026
Notably, the fire incident was reported around 3.48 a.m. on Sunday at a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar Phase-I. Post that, police, fire and disaster management teams rushed to the spot. Later on, a large-scale rescue operation was carried out by the officials.
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