President Pratibha Patil offers to help five orphaned siblings

The President of India, Pratibha Patil, has sought details about the five orphaned siblings after reading media reports.

The President of India, Pratibha Patil, has sought details about the five orphaned siblings after reading media reports.

HT Image

Saturday's building collapse in Shalimar Garden Extension 2 in Ghaziabad had killed both Phool Singh and Chanda Devi, leaving behind their eldest daughter Pooja (10) to take care of her four younger siblings.

The President was "personally keen that the girl and her siblings should be extended help by involving some organisation, which could provide support, financial help and protection".

"The President also suggested the name of NGO, SOS Village, in this regard," said Archana Datta, OSD (PR) to the President of India.

Media reports about the plight of the siblings have also caught attention of good Samaritans who have offered financial and other help to the children.

In all, four people were killed and 14 other critically injured during the building collapse incident.

"Some of the girl's relatives have come from their village at Mahoba. But we are finding out if they would be able to support the five children in the long run," Ghaziabad police chief Raghubir Lal said.