Delhi hospital fire tragedy: Police apprehends owner of Baby care centre

New Delhi: Delhi Police has apprehended the owner of the Baby care centre where six newborn babies died and several others were injured after a fire broke out at the Hospital in national capital's Vivek Vihar on Saturday night.

According to the officials, 12 children were rescued from the incident site where one was already dead before the fire call was made.

"Six newborn babies lost their lives after the fire broke out and five others have been admitted to the hospital," Delhi Police said.

The owner of the baby care centre, Naveen Kichi was absconding after the unfortunate incident.

Delhi Police stated that an FIR under sections 336 and 304A has been registered against him.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday directed Health Secretary Deepak Kumar and Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure compensation to the families of the deceased in the Vivek Vihar fire incident that claimed the lives of the newborns.

In his letter, Bharadwaj said, "At night of 25 May 2024, a very unfortunate and tragic incident occurred due to fire at a Baby Care Centre in Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Though this incident occurred around 11:30 pm, I got to know about this incident through a media flash. I have tried calling the Secretary (Health) multiple times and left him many WhatsApp messages but he has not responded yet. Therefore, I visited the incident spot alone."

"Ensure enquiry into this incident, names and designations of officers or private people responsible for this negligence, ensure free treatment of rescued children in best private hospitals (under Farishtey scheme), compensation to the families of deceased and injured and Expedite the arrests of those who were running this Centre," Saurabh Bharadwaj added.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared.