Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand has called for urgent and sweeping reforms in fire safety regulations following a devastating fire in the Old City that claimed 17 lives, including eight minors.
“Much needs to be done regarding fire safety in the country,” Anand said, adding that the responsibility lies with both the administration and the public. The statement came after a day-long operation near Gulzar House, Charminar, where a fire broke out in the early hours at a residential-cum-commercial building. A short circuit in the wiring is believed to have triggered the blaze.
All victims belonged to a single joint family living above a cluster of jewellery shops. Most died from smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation before they could escape. Among the deceased were four children under 10 and four between 10 and 18.
At Osmania Hospital mortuary, the scene was emotionally charged as grieving relatives waited for formalities. Post-mortems were expedited with support from police, doctors, and hospital staff.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia per victim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an additional ₹2 lakh compensation.
“Though we are used to seeing such accidents in the police, handling these tragedies remains physically and emotionally draining,” Anand said.
Yesterday whole day we were dealing with the situation in Gulzar House , near Charminar in the old city , where a fire broke out in the early hours in a residence cum jewellery shops complex and 17 members of a joint family died due to smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation after… pic.twitter.com/g2malziUfN
— CV Anand IPS (@CVAnandIPS) May 19, 2025
