Karol Bagh Mall Fire: Two Dead, Victims’ Families Allege Rescue Lapses; Police Launch Probe
New Delhi, July 6, 2025 — Two men died in a massive blaze at a shopping mall in Delhi’s Karol Bagh on Friday evening, triggering grief, anger, and serious questions about fire safety and emergency response in congested commercial zones.
The fire broke out at 6:44 p.m. on July 4 at the Vishal Mega Mart, a four-storey shopping complex located in the bustling central Delhi locality. According to the police, 93 people, including 23 employees and 70 shoppers, were inside when the fire erupted.
Victims Identified: Young Job Aspirant and IT Professional
The deceased were identified as:
- Dhirender Pratap, 25, a resident of Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, who had come to the mall seeking job opportunities.
- Pawan Gautam, 30, a married IT professional from Aligarh, U.P., who was shopping at the time.
Pratap’s body was found inside a lift, and authorities suspect death due to asphyxiation. Gautam’s body was charred beyond recognition and identified later by his friends.
Family Alleges Rescue Negligence: “Please Save Me” Messages Ignored
In a heartbreaking revelation, Dhirender Pratap’s brother, Vikram, told The Hindu that his brother had sent desperate WhatsApp messages, pleading to be saved as he was trapped inside a lift during the fire.
“Saas phul rahi hai, kuch karo (I am out of breath, do something),” read one of the final messages sent at 6:51 p.m.
Vikram alleged negligence by rescue teams:
“How could they not check the lifts? They turned off the power and left him there to die.”
Fire Department: Deployed All Resources, But Faced Major Hurdles
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said they responded within minutes of receiving the fire alert and deployed 13 fire tenders and 90 personnel. However, the congested Karol Bagh market, along with the presence of highly combustible materials like clothes and groceries, posed severe challenges.
“It was extremely difficult to enter the building as the fire was spreading rapidly. By the time we found Pratap’s body in the lift, it was 2 a.m.,” said Assistant Divisional Officer Ravi Nath of DFS.
He added that narrow lanes and close proximity of buildings restricted the movement of fire engines, delaying rescue operations.
Cooling Operations Lasted All Night
Though the fire was brought under control late Friday night, cooling operations continued into early Saturday morning to prevent flare-ups.
Police said preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit on the second floor may have triggered the blaze, but a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact cause.
Legal Action: Case Registered, Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
Delhi Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to negligence leading to death.
“We are investigating whether fire exits, alarms, and extinguishers were functional and accessible at the time of the incident,” said DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan.
The mall’s fire safety certificate and compliance documents are being examined.
Recurring Pattern of Market Fires in Delhi
This incident is the latest in a string of tragic fire incidents in Delhi’s commercial areas — many of which are plagued by overcrowding, poor fire preparedness, and lack of enforcement.
- In 2022, a similar fire at a factory in Mundka killed over a dozen workers.
- In 2023, a fire at a Janpath market shop resulted in three fatalities.
- Authorities have routinely warned about unsafe commercial structures, yet enforcement remains lax.
Grieving Families, Angry Public
News of the fire has sparked public outcry on social media, with citizens demanding accountability from mall authorities and the municipal corporation.
“Another avoidable tragedy in the capital. When will fire safety be taken seriously?” posted a user on X (formerly Twitter).
Summary of Incident
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | July 4, 2025, at 6:44 p.m. |
| Location | Vishal Mega Mart, Karol Bagh, Delhi |
| Deceased | Dhirender Pratap (25), Pawan Gautam (30) |
| Cause | Suspected short circuit (under investigation) |
| Fire Response | 13 fire tenders, 90 personnel, cooling till morning |
| Legal Status | Case registered under BNS, safety audit in progress |
What Next?
As the probe intensifies, the spotlight is on:
- Mall management’s adherence to fire safety norms
- Municipal oversight of commercial licenses
- Accountability for alleged delays in rescue operations
Both Delhi Police and the Delhi Fire Services are expected to release detailed reports in the coming days. Meanwhile, the bereaved families are demanding justice and compensation.