KTR questions Govt lapses in Gulzar Houz tragedy; demands Rs 25 lakh ex gratia

After visiting the site and participating in a condolence meeting organised by the Agarwal Samaj, Rama Rao paid respects to the victims, who were all members of the same family that lived near Charminar for over 125 years

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Monday lashed out at the State government over serious lapses in the Gulzar Houz fire tragedy that claimed 17 lives on Sunday. He questioned the government over lapses, including ambulances that arrived without oxygen cylinders or masks, and fire engines without water or protective gear.

“If basic equipment like oxygen cylinders, water and breathing masks had been available, at least some lives could have been saved,” he said, pointing out that locals had said that fire personnel could not enter the building due to a lack of proper safety equipment.

After visiting the site and participating in a condolence meeting organised by the Agarwal Samaj, Rama Rao paid respects to the victims, who were all members of the same family that lived near Charminar for over 125 years.

Speaking on the occasion, the BRS working president castigated the Congress government over its misplaced priorities. He felt that the attention and funds given to beauty pageants should be extended to ensure emergency infrastructure to prevent such incidents. He urged the government to conduct an urgent review of fire safety preparedness, especially in densely populated areas like the Old City.

“Mock drills, staff training, and infrastructure upgrades cannot be treated as afterthoughts,” he asserted.

Rama Rao also took a veiled dig at Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, pointing out that the Chief Minister also holds the charge of both Home and Municipal Administration departments, and his visit would have meant a lot for the victims’ families.

Terming the Rs 5 lakh announced by the government as inadequate, he demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each victim of the bereaved family. “This is not about politics, but it is about ensuring no one else has to endure such horror,” he said. Urging the government to act with humanity and empathy towards the victims, he also pledged the BRS support to the families.