Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission sought a detailed RIMS fire report from the Health Department after three newborn infants died following a fire at the Adilabad hospital.
The Commission, headed by Chairperson Dr Justice Shameem Akther, took suo motu cognizance of newspaper reports on the incident. The fire occurred at the Special Newborn Care Unit of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences late on September 21.
Accordingly, the Commission sought a report from the Principal Secretary for Health, Medical and Family Welfare in Telangana. It asked the official to explain the circumstances that led to the fire. The Commission also sought details about safety and maintenance arrangements at the SNCU.
In addition, the report must cover rescue measures and treatment provided to affected infants. The Commission also sought findings from any inquiry conducted into the incident. The human rights panel posted the matter to October 27, 2026, for further consideration.
RIMS fire report to cover safety arrangements
According to the newspaper reports considered by the Commission, an alleged electrical short circuit involving an air-conditioning unit caused the fire. The reports said dense smoke subsequently spread through the SNCU. About 27 newborn and preterm infants were undergoing treatment in the unit at the time.
According to the reports, three newborn infants died following the incident. Meanwhile, other infants suffered smoke exposure and breathing difficulties. Authorities shifted the affected infants to other wards and nearby hospitals for treatment, the reports said.
The Commission noted that the reports also raised concerns about maintenance and safety arrangements within the SNCU. These concerns covered the condition of air-conditioning units and electrical installations. Moreover, the reports raised questions about fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment and emergency evacuation arrangements.
They also referred to other fire-safety measures at the neonatal unit. Certain reports alleged deficiencies in fire-safety preparedness and electrical-system maintenance. Therefore, the Commission considered it necessary to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and the deaths.
RIMS fire report sought after media reports
The Commission acted after taking note of reports published by several English and Telugu newspapers. Deccan Chronicle reported the incident under the headline “3 infants die of smoke after AC fire in RIMS baby unit”. The Hindu carried the headline “3 infants killed in fire accident at RIMS Adilabad: 25 rescued”.
The Times of India reported it as “3 preterm infants die after blaze at RIMS in Adilabad”. The Commission also considered reports published by Mana Telangana, Disha and Nava Telangana. In addition, it took note of reports in Sakshi, Namaste Telangana and Eenadu.
The Commission sought the RIMS fire report to examine the circumstances of the incident and safety arrangements at the neonatal unit. The Health Department’s report must also detail measures taken to rescue and treat the affected infants. Furthermore, it must include findings of any inquiry already conducted into the fire. The Commission will take up the matter again on October 27.