They came, they saw, they enquired

A STREAM of VVIPs visited the city since Monday following the consumer fair which claimed over 100 lives. Congress president Sonia Gandhi visited the scene of the fire in Victoria Park here and the hospitals where those injured in the blaze have been admitted.

Gandhi, who was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, enquired about the well being of those injured in the devastating fire.
"We have been to the hospitals. We have seen those who were injured, some of them are very badly injured," the Congress President said.

"The doctors have explained to us what treatment they are giving," she said.
She assured proper treatment and action against those found guilty.
She suggested a high-powered committee should probe all aspects of the tragedy. “ It is premature to say any thing in this regard  now,” she said.
Jaiswal assured proper care would be taken of the injured.  “Further arrangements would be made for the seriously injured at Safadarjung Hospital in Delhi,” he added. The minister announced ex gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the dead, Rs 25,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 15,000 for those with minor injuries.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to those with minor injuries.

Appreciating the valour of a young boy, Javed, the minister promised to recommend his name for a bravery award. Javed  saved several lives trapped, but sustained serious burn injuries in the process. He is now battling for life.
BSP chief Mayawati and State congress president Salman Khurshid visited the city on Monday night.

Mayawati charged the administration with hiding the actual number of causalities and demanded a CBI probe. The fair was oraganised under the banner of Mrinal Events and its owner Lakhan Tomar has been absconding ever since the incident took place.

The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry.  CDO Pushyapati Saxena has been asked to submit a report within two days. In spite of its efforts, the administration is facing serious charges of laxity , apathy and negligence.

For public convenience, the administration has issued some telephone numbers: for enquiry- control room SDM 9411027800 and CMO 9897548024.
Life remained at a standstill following the death of over 100 people in Monday evening's fire at a consumer fair. Markets remained closed on Tuesday.