Delhi hospital fire tragedy: Owner sent to 14-day judicial custody

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) A Delhi court on Thursday sent the owner of the Baby Care New Born Hospital, where seven children were recently killed in a massive fire, and a co-accused, to 14-day judicial custody.

Hospital owner Dr. Naveen Khichi was arrested in the wake of the tragedy at the private hospital, along with an employee, Akash, who was on duty at that time.

On Thursday, Akash was also sent to judicial custody for the same period. Naveen Khichi, meanwhile, has moved a bail plea which will come up for hearing on June 3.

Police probe into the hospital fire has revealed that the licence issued to the hospital by the Delhi Government Health Services (DGHS) had expired on March 31.

The probe also revealed that the doctors at the hospitals were not qualified to treat newborn babies, who needed neonatal intensive care, as these doctors were only BAMS degree holders.

“In the hospital, there were 12 newborn babies admitted and one was already dead before the fire incident. All the newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital for treatment,” the police said.

Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said that seven children were declared dead at the hospital while five newly born babies are undergoing treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Chaudhary said that after dousing the fire, burst oxygen cylinders were found.

Further, when the hospital was inspected by police, fire brigade staff and crime team, it was also found there were no fire extinguishers, improper entry and exit, and no emergency exits.

The probable cause of the fire was stated to be a short circuit.

–IANS

spr/pgh