Delhi Hospital Fire: Police Arrest Owner Of Baby Care Centre, Kejriwal Govt Orders Magisterial Probe

A fire at a Delhi hospital killed seven newborns and injured several others. The hospital owner was apprehended, and an inquiry has been ordered by the Lt. Governor, Health Minister, and Chief Secretary.

The Delhi Police on Sunday arrested Naveen Kichi, the owner of the Newborn Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar where a fire broke out last night killing seven newborn babies and injuries to several others. A forensic team and DCP Shahdara Surendra Chaudhary also arrive at the spot.  The blaze, which erupted around 11:30 pm, spread rapidly to two adjacent buildings. The Delhi Fire Services managed to rescue twelve newborns from the facility, but seven of them succumbed to their injuries. Five infants are currently undergoing treatment at another hospital, news agency PTI reported.

The Delhi government has ordered a Magisterial Enquiry into the incident. Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Divisional Commissioner DDMA, Ashwani Kumar directed Shahadra District Magistrate and District Disaster Management Authority to inquire about the fire tragedy, news agency ANI reported.

NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo claimed negligence on the part of concerned authorities, blaming the Delhi government for the incident.

"... Negligence of concerned authorities has surfaced. The oxygen was being filled hazardously. We sent a member there. As soon as we receive her findings, we will give a notice to the Delhi government and give recommendations to the central government. To stop such incidents, the commission has given multiple notices to Delhi government since 2021. But the Delhi government did not reply to any of them. This incident could have been avoided if the Delhi government had taken appropriate action on time," he said, as per ANI.

Delhi Hospital Fire: Father Of Deceased 12-Day-Old Baby Urges PM Modi, CM Kejriwal For Justice

In an emotional appeal, the father of a deceased 12-day-old baby, Anjaan, shared his anguish. "I did not have knowledge. A friend informed. Neither the hospital nor the police informed. I called the hospital but did not have an answer. I rushed here. The baby has died. The girl was 12 days old. I consider the baby care responsible and also the hospital which referred here. I want justice for all the babies. I request the PM and the CM to ensure justice. I had saved money for the baby. I did not know that she would die," he told PTI

Lt Governor VK Saxena has directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. "I have asked the chief secretary to institute an inquiry into the tragic incidents of fire in children's hospital in Delhi. Also instructed CP (Commissioner of Police) to ensure all that is needful," Saxena said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Expressing his condolences, he added, "My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. I assure all relief and will ensure that guilty are brought to book."

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has also ordered a swift investigation, instructing Health Secretary SB Deepak Kumar and Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to expedite the process. He emphasised the urgency of identifying those responsible for the negligence that led to this tragedy. He also directed that the rescued infants receive free treatment in the best private hospitals under the city government's Farishtey scheme and called for the speedy release of compensation to the victims' families.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, praying for strength for the bereaved parents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "heart-rending," while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vowed that those responsible would not be spared.