Arvind Kejriwal visits Palam fire site, blames fire department’s delay for deaths – Delhi News

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday visited the site of a devastating fire in Delhi’s Palam area that claimed the lives of nine members of a single family. The blaze, which broke out on March 18 in a four-storey building, also left several others injured.

He said, “I came to know that when the Fire Brigade reached here, their ladders were not working. Had the Fire Brigade taken timely action, perhaps lives could have been saved…I came here to meet the bereaved family. BJP workers and leaders here indulged in hooliganism. A family lost 9 of its members; instead of sympathising with them, they have started hooliganism. I am sad to see the BJP stooping so low… They are not allowing people to meet the bereaved family. They are being threatened. It is very sad…”

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In a post on X, Kejriwal described the incident as a “tragic accident” and expressed grief over the loss. He said the victims belonged to the family of Rajendra Kashyap, an Aam Aadmi Party worker. Kejriwal added that Kashyap, who had been assisting him in Goa, rushed back to Delhi upon learning about the tragedy, and he himself was heading to meet the bereaved family.

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on X

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party shared India Today’s Lallantop video, citing eyewitness accounts and alleging negligence by authorities. The party claimed lapses by the BJP-led administration and the fire department contributed to the high death toll. According to the post, at least nine people, including three children, were charred to death, while around 10 others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who also visited the spot earlier, said the fire broke out around 6:30 am and that emergency services were informed promptly. However, he alleged delays in response, stating that fire tenders arrived nearly an hour later. He further claimed that the hydraulic lift of the fire brigade was not functioning properly, which hampered rescue efforts and may have contributed to fatalities, including those of children.

The political blame game intensified as the AAP targeted BJP minister Ashish Sood, questioning accountability and demanding action.

AAP on X

Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh termed the incident “not an accident but murder,” alleging serious deficiencies in emergency preparedness, including the absence of functional rescue equipment such as ladders and safety nets.

– Ends

Published By:

Zafar Zaidi

Published On:

Mar 19, 2026 18:25 IST

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