Gokulpuri fire: Delhi govt to give ex gratia to families of 7 deceased victims

"I am saddened by the fire incident... the poor make their shelter after a lot of hard work," the chief minister.

The Delhi government has announced compensation for the families of those who died in a fire in Gokulpuri early on Saturday morning. The fire claimed seven lives. According to the announcement, made by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Rs.10 lakh each will be given to deceased adults' families, while kin of deceased children will receive ₹5 lakh each. The government will also give ₹25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted in the fire.

A man salvages belongings from the charred remains his house, after a fire broke out in shanties at Gokulpuri area, in New Delhi. (PTI)

"I am saddened by the fire incident... the poor make their shelter after a lot of hard work," the chief minister also said after interacting with affected families in Gokulpuri.

A massive fire broke out in the shanties of the Gokulpuri area overnight, killing at least seven people. Several people also sustained minor injuries.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal took stock of the situation and interacted with the families of the victims. "I will try to release this (compensation) very soon, in one-two days, so that you get the money soon,” Kejriwal also said after his visit.

According to Delhi fire services, as many as 60 shanties have been completely burnt. The authorities are working to ascertain the cause of the fire. A team of forensic expertss is also at the site to assist with the probe.

Information regarding the blaze was received at around 1 am, following which police and fire officials rushed to the spot, additional deputy commissioner of police (northeast) Devesh Kumar Mahla, said earlier. They managed to douse the fire by around 4 am, ANI reported.