Malviya Nagar BJP MLA praises courageous Muslims after they repeatedly enter the inferno to save several lives
NEW DELHI — Five Muslim youth who repeatedly entered a burning hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar to rescue trapped guests have come in for wide praise for their courage. The devastating fire claimed the lives of about two dozen people, besides causing severe injuries to several others.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday when a major fire broke out in a hotel in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar. As thick smoke and flames spread through the building, locals, shopkeepers, workers and volunteers rushed to help rescue those trapped inside.
Among the first to respond were Afzal, Mohammad Shah Rukh, Mohammad Anees, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Waseem. Witnesses said the five young men repeatedly entered the burning building alongside Delhi Police personnel and helped bring several people to safety risking their own lives.
Malviya Nagar BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay publicly praised the youths and shared their photographs on social media.
“Salute to these brave men,” Upadhyay wrote, adding that they had shown exceptional courage and humanity by risking their lives to save others.
According to locals, the five youths played a major role in the rescue operation at a time when panic had spread among those trapped inside the hotel.
Videos from the scene showed people surrounded by smoke and flames desperately trying to escape. Some occupants were seen jumping from upper floors in an attempt to save themselves, while residents below tried to help them land safely.
The rescue effort was not limited to emergency services. Local citizens from diverse backgrounds joined forces to assist those affected by the disaster.
One of them was 61-year-old Riyazuddin, who runs a mattress shop opposite the hotel. As the fire intensified, he immediately removed mattresses from his shop and spread them beneath the building to cushion the fall of people jumping from higher floors.
Reports suggest that Riyazuddin suffered a financial loss of nearly Rs 200,000 because of the mattresses used during the rescue operation. However, he said he had no regrets.
“I am satisfied because at least ten lives were saved through this effort,” he said.
Residents said the area is home to many budget hotels and guest houses due to its proximity to major hospitals in Saket. Family members of patients from different parts of the country often stay in these accommodations while their relatives receive treatment.
Locals feared that many guests staying in the hotel were unfamiliar with the area and would struggle to find escape routes during the emergency.
Waseem Raza, a resident of the neighbourhood and a security officer at Max Hospital, also joined the rescue efforts.
“I gave CPR to at least ten people from the basement to the third floor,” he said.
Another volunteer, 40-year-old Mohammad Israr Khan, entered the building after the fire had been partially brought under control.
“People were covered in smoke and ash. Many were crying for help,” Khan said. “We brought injured people outside and also carried several bodies wrapped in sheets.”
Fire emergency trainer Mohammad Shoaib, who participated in the rescue operation, said several people had already jumped from the building before emergency teams arrived.
“Nearly nine people had jumped from the building before rescue teams reached the spot,” he said.
Officials said that a total of 47 people were rescued and taken to various hospitals for treatment.
Among those who died were several foreign nationals. Authorities said the victims included citizens from nine African countries as well as two nationals from Turkmenistan.
As investigators began examining the cause of the tragedy, serious safety violations allegedly came to light.
According to officials, the hotel was operating without mandatory clearance from the fire department. Police have arrested the owner, Lokesh Bajaj, and registered a case against him under Sections 105 and 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Sources in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said the building had permission for only six rooms. However, more than 20 rooms were allegedly being operated on the premises.
Officials also found that the building reportedly had only one entry and exit point, making evacuation extremely difficult once the fire spread.
The findings have raised questions about safety enforcement and regulatory oversight in commercial buildings across the capital.
Meanwhile, social media has been filled with messages praising the bravery of the Muslim youths and locals who stepped forward during the disaster.
Many users said the actions of the rescuers showed that humanity comes before religion, language or identity. Others described the five Muslim youths as heroes whose courage helped save many lives during one of the city’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.
As families mourn those who lost their lives, the courage displayed by ordinary residents—particularly the five Muslim youths who repeatedly entered the burning building—has emerged as one of the most powerful stories from a tragedy that has shaken the national capital.
