The tragic collapse of a building in Saidulajab has left the families of the victims grappling with distinct challenges, ranging from financial burdens to a lack of government support. Each family's story underscores the human cost of the disaster and the urgent need for accountability and assistance.
Dr. Ravi Prakash Verma's Family: A Call for Compensation
The family of Dr. Ravi Prakash Verma, a victim of the collapse, reported that they were contacted by the Uttar Pradesh government, offering Rs 5 lakh in compensation as he hailed from that state. However, neither the Delhi government nor the central government has reached out to them. The family expressed disappointment over the lack of support from local authorities.
Engineer Nalin Rai: A Costly Last Journey
The family of engineer Nalin Rai faced an additional financial strain as they spent Rs 32,000 on an ambulance to transport his body to his native village in Bihar. His uncle, Baikunth Nath, stated that the family has not received any compensation or contact from government officials. The ordeal highlights the logistical and financial hardships faced by families of migrant workers.
Dr. Ekta's Family: No Government Outreach
The family of Dr. Ekta, another victim, confirmed that no government official has reached out to them. The lack of communication has added to their grief and uncertainty about the future.
Mess Owner Parvati's Family: Struggling to Rebuild
Prateek, the son-in-law of deceased mess owner Parvati, described the family's struggle to cope with both her loss and the financial burden. Parvati and her husband, Jairaj, ran a successful mess that served hundreds of students daily, earning enough to pay a monthly rent of nearly Rs 1 lakh for a space with only a tin shed. The collapse destroyed all utensils and equipment, leaving the family with nothing. Prateek lamented, "Only my father-in-law is left. How are we supposed to start from scratch?" He also noted that no government representative has contacted the family. "We want justice and compensation for what the family has lost," he added.
Demand for Justice
Ravi's father, Ram Prakash Verma, vowed to approach the court to ensure that those responsible face punishment. "It is my son today, but I want to ensure that no one else's son, who has gone to study away from home, suffers the same fate," he said, emphasizing the need for systemic accountability.
Injured Victims: Updates on Recovery
Of the five injured in the collapse, three have been discharged from the hospital. One critically injured woman remains in the trauma centre's red zone, though her condition is reported to be stable. Another injured person, Kshitij Pratap of Noida's Jal Vayu Vihar, was rescued by his brothers, Rahul and Adik, after being trapped under debris. Rahul initially received no response when calling Kshitij's phone, but a second call was answered with cries for help, leading to his rescue.
As the families continue to seek justice and compensation, the incident has raised questions about the responsiveness of government authorities and the safety of such structures. The victims' stories serve as a stark reminder of the need for better building regulations and support systems for disaster-affected families.
