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Delhi Orders Citywide Night-Shelter Audits After Vasant Vihar Fire

Police have opened a negligence case after two deaths, with a suspected short circuit under forensic review.

Overview

  • Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood visited the Coolie Camp site and directed forensic and physical audits of all night shelters across Delhi.
  • The government is weighing financial assistance for the victims’ families and is rolling out safer heating by distributing heaters and banning coal-fired angithis, especially in tent shelters.
  • The fire was reported around 3:15 am; four fire tenders contained it by about 4:00 am and cooling operations continued into the morning.
  • Seven people were inside the SPYM-operated shelter; five were rescued while two residents, Arjun (18–19) and Vikas (42), were found dead.
  • A case under BNS Sections 287 and 106 has been registered as investigators examine possible electrical faults and broader safety lapses in shelter facilities.