Trapped on the Third Floor: Survivor of Delhi Fire Recounts Terror as Repatriation Costs Spark Anger
A Bangladeshi survivor of the devastating fire tragedy at the Flourish Stays bed-and-breakfast (B&B) in South Delhi’s Hauz Rani/Malviya Nagar area has shared a harrowing first-hand account of her escape. Shamiya Chaudhary, who was staying on the third floor of the illegal commercial facility when the blaze erupted on June 3, recalled the overwhelming terror of the moment, believing she would not make it out alive.
However, her relief at surviving has been overshadowed by subsequent financial distress. Chaudhary alleged that despite official government promises of free assistance to transport the mortal remains of victims back to Bangladesh, her family was charged a steep fee of ₹1,80,000 at the embassy.
A First-Hand Account of the Terror on Room 302
Shamiya Chaudhary described the rapid, suffocating onset of the fire, which broke out at approximately 8:00 AM on the ground floor and quickly transformed the sealed building into a death trap:
- The Trapped Group: Chaudhary was occupying Room 302 on the third floor along with four other individuals when thick, toxic carbon monoxide smoke began filling the corridors.
- Accepting the End: Describing her immediate emotional state as the smoke worsened, she shared the deep trauma of the ordeal:
“I thought I would not survive—that I was going to die. I felt like this was the end; I thought I would not be in this world anymore. It is hard to put into words…”
- Recovery of Belongings: While she managed to escape with her life, her personal belongings were initially left behind in the chaos. Chaudhary confirmed that Delhi Police personnel have since recovered and handed over most of her items, though a few personal possessions remain missing.
Questions Raised Over Unexpected Embassy Charges
The most controversial aspect of Chaudhary’s account involves the unexpected financial burden placed on her family during an international crisis:
- Broken Guarantees: According to the survivor, initial administrative assurances suggested that the repatriation of deceased victims to Bangladesh would be fully subsidized by state or diplomatic channels.
- The ₹1,80,000 Demand: Chaudhary expressed confusion and anger over why the family was ultimately forced to pay ₹1,80,000 at the embassy to facilitate the paperwork and transport. She has demanded clarity from authorities on whether this amount was a processing error and if a formal refund mechanism will be initiated.
Context of the Tragedy
The fire at the Hauz Rani B&B has turned into one of the capital’s worst civic disasters in recent years, with the death toll rising to 23 after another Bangladeshi national, Rehana Akhtar, tragically succumbed to severe burn injuries at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
Investigations by the Delhi Fire Services and local police have exposed massive structural and safety violations at the property. The owner, Lovkesh Bajaj, was found to be illegally operating over 20 commercial rooms under a home-stay license meant for just six. The building lacked fire exits, functioning extinguishers, and proper ventilation, while permanently sealed glass windows systematically trapped guests inside. Legal proceedings are currently underway, with the owner and key administrative staff remanded to judicial custody.
