Gulzar House inferno: A grief-stricken Modi family counts losses on rubble of their abode

Hyderabad: Sonali Agarwal stood in silence before the ashes of what was once their home. Sonali, the daughter of prominent jeweler Prahlad Modi, was emotionally overwhelmed as she accepted condolences from friends, neighbors, and public representatives.

Tragedy struck on Sunday when a prominent jeweller’s family lost 17 members in the fire incident. Grief hangs heavy in the air as relatives return to the charred premises of Hyderabad’s Gulzar House.

“We’ve only come to collect a few belongings and complete the final rites,” she told reporters. The family, still in shock, declined further media interaction, expressing that their tragedy had already been widely covered.

Another relative, speaking on behalf of the grieving family, called on the state government to take meaningful action. "No family should suffer such a loss. We want the authorities to ensure this never happens again.”

Originally hailing from Rajasthan, the Modi family settled in Hyderabad decades ago and built a successful jewelry business, primarily dealing in pearls and gold. They were well known in the Gulzar House and Begum Bazaar trading communities.

On Monday, several family members visited the Charminar Police Station to complete legal formalities, including submission of the victims’ photographs. Visibly distraught, they struggled to manage the necessary paperwork while fielding messages from relatives and acquaintances.

Friends and business associates continued to visit and pay their respects. “We’ve shared a close relationship with the family for years. Their loss is deeply personal and heartbreaking for the community,” said Giriraj Agarwal, a businessman from Charminar.

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in Hyderabad’s older neighborhoods, where congested buildings and lax compliance pose growing risks.