Kin of Nampally Fire Victims Still Await Aid

HYDERABAD: Eight days after a major fire at a furniture shop in Nampally claimed five lives on January 24, families of the victims are yet to receive compensation. The government had announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for each family.

However, relatives say they are still waiting. The delay, they claim, is due to non-issuance of death certificates. “It has been a week since she died. We were told compensation would be disbursed once the death certificate is submitted. We have handed over the documents but have not received the certificate yet,” said Sameer, son of Beeban Bee, who worked as a security guard at Batcha Furniture Castle.

Bee’s family has since moved to Karnataka for her final rites. Habeeb’s family voiced similar concerns. “He has two wives and three children with each of them. Their sustenance has become increasingly difficult. We have been asked to wait until the death certificate is issued,” said Syed Chand, Habeeb’s uncle.

Imtiaz’s family remains inconsolable. “His father’s health has only just stabilised, but his mother is still in shock. He was the sole breadwinner. They do not even know about the compensation. Financial strain makes the grief worse,” said Syed Shahid, Imtiaz’s uncle.

Meanwhile, parts of the charred structure remained cordoned off on Saturday, with debris clearance underway. No officials were present at the site.