Hyderabad: For Rajendar Modi and his wife, Sumitra, life never looked better as the elderly couple enjoyed the company of their children and grandchildren, who were visiting the city for summer vacation. But the vacation turned into a nightmare.
Rajendar Modi and his wife, Sumitra, were among the 17 lives who perished in the devastating fire accident at Gulzar Houz near Charminar earlier today.
A sombre atmosphere prevailed at the Hindu Smashana Vatika (crematorium) in Puranapul on Sunday evening, as families gathered to perform the final rites of the departed souls, amid quiet prayers and tearful goodbyes.
Fifteen of the 17 victims were cremated under heavy police presence and with the Hyderabad district collector, Anudeep Durishetty, in attendance.
Along with grief, there was anger and unanswered questions. Anger over the mishandling of the accident, unanswered questions on why the fire tenders did not arrive earlier.
Massive fire near Charminar claims 17 lives, State announces Rs 5L ex gratia
Speaking to Siasat.com. one of the relatives of the deceased said the fire tenders were running around with no proper equipment. “Neither did they have fire extinguishers nor water. They were even unable to enter the house,” the person said.
The fire accident was one of the worst in recent times, claiming the lives of eight children, the youngest just 1.5 years old.
