Delhi LG orders inquiry into death of six newborns at hospital in Vivek Vihar
May 26, 2024
New Delhi [India], May 26 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Sunday asked the Chief Secretary to order a probe into the tragic fire incident where six newborns lost their lives at a baby care centre in the Vivek Vihar area.
"Have asked Chief Secy to institute an inquiry into the tragic incidents of fire in children's hospital in Delhi. Also instructed CP to ensure all that is needed. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I assure all relief & will ensure that guilty are brought to book," Delhi LG Saxena said on X.
In the case, Delhi Police has registered a case against the owner of the baby care centre Naveen Kichi and started an investigation.
According to Delhi Police, Naveen is still absconding, and is being searched. The help of technical surveillance and human intelligence is being taken for this.
Delhi Police raided Naveen's house and some other places but Naveen was not found. Police have registered a case against Naveen under sections 336 and 304A.
As per Delhi Police, concerned agencies have been informed about whether this baby care centre has all the licenses or not, and their answers have been sought.
The reason for the fire in the baby care centre is not completely clear yet. Delhi Police says that in the initial investigation, it seems that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, but according to the people who conducted the rescue operation, the fire broke out due to some other reason.
Earlier, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed Health Secretary Deepak Kumar and Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure compensation to the family of the deceased in the Vivek Vihar fire incident that claimed the lives of seven newborns.
In his letter, Bharadwaj said, "At night of 25 May 2024, a very unfortunate and tragic incident occurred due to fire at a Baby Care Centre in Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Though this incident occurred around 11:30 pm, I got to know about this incident through a media flash. I have tried calling the Secretary (Health) multiple times and left him many WhatsApp messages but he has not responded yet. Therefore, I visited the incident spot alone."
"Ensure enquiry into this incident, names and designations of officers or private people responsible for this negligence, ensure free treatment of rescued children in best private hospitals (under Farishtey scheme), compensation to the families of deceased and injured and Expedite the arrests of those who were running this Centre," Saurabh Bharadwaj added.