New Delhi: A local mattress trader, Riyazuddin Mansuri, who emptied his shop to aid rescue efforts during a deadly hotel fire in Delhi's Malviya Nagar, has requested Rs 2 lakh in compensation from the government for his losses. Mansuri and his son Arman joined the rescue operation, using quilts and mattresses to help trapped individuals escape by jumping from windows.
Heroic Rescue Efforts
On Tuesday, a fire broke out at the Flourish Stay hotel in the Hauz Rani area, killing 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals, and injuring dozens. As smoke filled the building, trapped occupants smashed window panes and cried for help. Mansuri and his son acted swiftly. 'People on the upper floors were shouting and asking if they should jump. I immediately brought out around 20 to 25 quilts and mattresses from the shop and spread them outside the building,' Arman recounted on Wednesday. 'Around eight people jumped onto them and survived,' Mansuri added.
Financial Losses
The family-run mattress shop, located opposite the hotel, suffered significant losses. 'We suffered a loss of more than Rs 2 lakh. We gave away everything, mattresses, quilts, bedsheets and whatever material was available. The injured and even some bodies were brought out using our bedsheets,' Arman said. The trader emphasized that the hotel owners profited from their business, but negligence has left them bearing the cost. 'The government should at least compensate those who stepped forward during the rescue,' Mansuri stated.
Government Response
The incident has raised questions about fire safety in hotels and the need for compensation for civilian rescuers. As of now, no official response from the government has been reported regarding Mansuri's request. The TOI City Desk continues to monitor developments in this story.
