A tragic fire incident in a Gurgaon slum cluster claimed the life of a 40-year-old man in the early hours of Wednesday. The blaze erupted around 1 am in Sector 53, completely destroying a single hut where the victim, Robin Das, was residing.
Victim's Background
Robin Das, originally from West Bengal, had been living in Gurgaon for several years and worked as a ragpicker to support himself. He was alone in the hut when the fire broke out. His daughter and son-in-law, who reside nearby, rushed to the spot after hearing his cries for help. However, by the time they arrived, the flames had already engulfed the structure. Das was found charred under the debris.
Police Investigation
Police officials confirmed that the fire was confined to a single hut. The charred body was recovered from the debris and sent for post-mortem examination. A preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit or possibly a lit bidi (a type of hand-rolled cigarette). The victim was known to be a chain smoker, which adds weight to the possibility of a bidi-related ignition.
An officer stated, "The charred body was recovered from the debris and sent for post-mortem. Preliminary assessment indicates the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit or possibly a lit bidi. The victim was a chain smoker."
Further inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. Authorities are also examining the area to ensure no other structures were affected and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the precarious living conditions in slum clusters, where makeshift huts often lack proper electrical safety measures and are highly vulnerable to fires. Residents in such areas frequently face risks due to overcrowding, flammable materials, and inadequate fire safety infrastructure.
