Forensic experts and Delhi Police investigators arrived at the Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday to collect evidence following a deadly fire [1].
The investigation seeks to determine the cause of the blaze and identify responsible parties as authorities pursue criminal charges for the loss of life.
The fire broke out around nine a.m. [3] at the eatery located in South Delhi's Hauz Rani Market [2]. According to reports, the death toll has reached between 20 [2] and 21 people [1]. Witnesses at the scene attributed the severity of the tragedy to poor ventilation within the building [1].
Delhi Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) under charges of culpable homicide [1]. The forensic team is currently gathering physical evidence to support the legal proceedings and establish whether safety violations contributed to the disaster.
"Everyone severely burnt," said a grieving relative [1].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the tragedy and the needs of the survivors. "We will ensure compensation for the victims' families," said Modi [3].
Rescue operations were conducted on Wednesday morning, with reports indicating that 11 people were rescued from the site [3]. The scale of the casualties has prompted an urgent review of safety standards for eateries in the Malviya Nagar area.
“"We will ensure compensation for the victims' families," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The filing of a culpable homicide FIR indicates that investigators suspect the fire was not a simple accident, but the result of negligence or a failure to adhere to safety codes. The focus on poor ventilation suggests a systemic issue with building compliance in South Delhi's commercial hubs, which may lead to stricter fire safety audits for similar establishments.
