Katni/Seoni, Nov 9 — Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of 12 people killed in two separate fire incidents in Katni and Seoni districts during Diwali.
Yadav expressed grief over the deaths and directed the district administrations to provide all possible assistance to the affected families. He also ordered a detailed investigation into both incidents and asked officials to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.
"The tragic incidents of fire during the Diwali festival in Barhi in Katni district and Chhapara in Seoni district, which claimed the lives of several members of two families, are deeply heart-wrenching," Yadav said in a statement.
In the first incident, six members of a family were killed when a fire broke out in a three-storey building in Barhi town of Katni district. The building housed a crockery shop on the ground floor, while the family lived on the upper floors. The deceased were identified as Puran Agrawal (77), his wife Chandrakala (74), daughter-in-law Poonam, granddaughters Arya (14) and Anvi (6), and a two-month-old infant. The rescue operation continued for several hours. Family members alleged that faulty equipment and damaged hoses in the initial fire tenders hampered efforts to control the blaze. Additional fire tenders were later called from neighbouring areas.
In the second incident, six members of a family died after a fire broke out at the residence of goldsmith Kundan Lal Soni in Mahavir Ward of Chhapara town in Seoni district around 4.30 a.m. Seoni Superintendent of Police Krishna Lalchandani said 10 people were inside the house when the fire broke out.
Four were rescued, while six died due to burns and suffocation. "Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. Inadequate ventilation and heavy security locks at the premises also appear to have made it difficult for the family members to escape," the SP said.
An FSL team has been called to examine the site and establish the cause of the fire.
Yadav also directed officials to investigate the causes of both incidents and take steps to prevent similar tragedies. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families.