Gulzar Houz fire tragedy: Telangana govt sanctions Rs 85 lakh ex-gratia for kin of 17 victims

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has sanctioned Rs 85 lakh as ex-gratia for the families of 17 members of an extended family, including eight children, killed near Gulzar Houz, Charminar, on May 18 in one of Hyderabad’s worst residential fire tragedies.

Government releases relief fund

According to an official memo issued by the Revenue (CMRF) Department on Thursday, Rs 85 lakh has been sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The cheque has been issued to the Hyderabad district collector to disburse financial assistance to the bereaved families.

“The district collector, Hyderabad, shall take necessary action accordingly and acknowledge receipt of the cheque, besides sending a compliance report to the government,” the memo stated.

Full list of deceased

The fire claimed the lives of the following family members: Prahlad Modi, 75, owner of Sri Krishna Pearls, Munni Modi (70), Rajendar Modi (65), Sumitra Modi (60), Abhishek Modi (31), Varsha Modi (35), Rajini Modi (32), Pankaj Modi (36), Sheetal Jain (35), Arushi Jain (3), Rishab Jain (4), Ania Modi (3), Iraaj Modi (2), Hamey Gupta (7), Priyansh Agarwal, (4), Pratham Agarwal (1) and Iddu Modi (4).

How the inferno unfolded, leading to deaths

The tragedy struck around 5:50 am at HNo 22-5-89 to 97, Gulzar Houz. The building housed Sri Krishna Pearls on the ground floor with family living quarters above. Of the 21 people inside at the time, only four survived. Most victims were found unconscious in their rooms as they attempted to escape the intense heat and smoke.

Eyewitness accounts

Locals returning from morning prayers saw thick smoke emanating from the building. Some bystanders tried to rescue the trapped family members before fire personnel arrived, but were forced back by the flames.

A century-old heritage store

Sri Krishna Pearls was established over a century ago during the Nizam era and has been a landmark near Charminar. Just days before the accident, the locality had hosted Miss World pageant contestants, highlighting Hyderabad’s rich heritage precinct.

Further assistance planned

Officials confirmed that additional support measures are being planned for survivors and dependents of the deceased, alongside the sanctioned ex-gratia relief.