In a tragic incident that has sent waves of shock and grief through the community, the owner of the Baby Care New Born Hospital in East Delhi has been arrested following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of seven newborns. Delhi police confirmed the apprehension of Dr. Naveen Kichi, who had been evading arrest since the fatal blaze broke out late on Saturday night.
The fire incident occurred at around 11:30 pm at the Baby Care New Born Hospital located in the Vivek Vihar area. The flames quickly engulfed the hospital and spread to two adjacent buildings, causing widespread panic and chaos. Delhi Fire Services officials raced to the scene and worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control and rescue the trapped newborns and staff.
Despite the valiant efforts of the firefighters, twelve newborns were pulled from the burning facility. However, the intensity of the fire took a grave toll, and seven of the rescued babies succumbed to their injuries, leaving the community in mourning. Five other babies were transferred to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Their condition remains critical but stable, doctors reported.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety standards and emergency protocols in place at the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire might have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though a thorough probe is underway to determine the exact cause. Residents and local leaders have expressed their outrage and demanded strict action against those responsible for what they deem a preventable tragedy.
Dr. Kichi, the hospital owner, is facing severe legal repercussions following his arrest. Delhi Police have booked him under sections 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Vivek Vihar police station. These charges underline the gravity of the negligence that potentially led to the loss of innocent lives.
In a statement, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg said, “We received a call about the fire at around 11:30 pm and immediately dispatched fire tenders to the scene. Our teams managed to rescue twelve newborns, but tragically, seven of them could not survive the ordeal.
. We are conducting a detailed investigation to understand what caused the fire and ensure such incidents do not repeat.”
The Baby Care New Born Hospital had been a beacon of hope for many families in the region, specializing in neonatal care. The fire has not only claimed innocent lives but also dented the trust and confidence of the community in the healthcare facility. A visibly distraught parent, whose child is among those critically injured, shared their agony, “We entrusted our dearest ones to their care only to face such a heartrending loss. We demand justice for our children.”
Public outrage has been palpable in the aftermath of the fire, with community members and activists demanding comprehensive safety audits of all healthcare facilities in the region. They have called for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and accountability from authorities. “This tragedy is a grim reminder of the lax safety measures that are often ignored until a disaster strikes. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable, and systemic changes are made to prevent such mishaps,” said Rakesh Kumar, a local activist.
The Delhi government has also taken cognizance of the incident and assured stringent action. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, visiting the site, declared, “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to the families affected. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a thorough investigation. Strict protocols must be followed to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.”
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Dr. Kichi marks just the beginning of a broader effort to address the lapses that led to this horrifying incident. The grieving families and the concerned community look forward to swift justice and effective measures to prevent any such occurrence in the future.
This devastating event casts a long shadow over East Delhi, highlighting the imperative need for stringent safety protocols in healthcare facilities, to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The road to healing and recovery will be long and arduous, but the collective demand for justice and accountability continues to grow stronger.
